129.8-hectare solar farm proposed at Beaconstown Kilkea Lodge Farm, Co. Kildare

In context

It is one of 19 solar farm applications Kildare County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 351 nationally. Of the 572 such applications decided by councils in the past three years, 92% were granted.

What happens next

Anyone can make a submission or observation to Kildare County Council until 28 September 2026, for a fee of €20. Only those who make a submission can later appeal the decision. The council is due to decide by 8 October 2026, unless it requests further information, which stops the clock.

How to make a submission

The development description, as lodged

Verbatim from the Kildare County Council register. This is the source for every figure in the story above.

RED III for 10-year permission for the development of a solar farm on an overall site of c. 129.8 hectares consisting of the following: c. 496,308 sq m of solar photovoltaic panels on ground mounted steel frames; 19 no. hardstanding locations for electrical skids; new internal access tracks with passing bays; underground power and communications cables and ducts, including along the L8084, L8087, L4009 and L4012 public roads; 1no. Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) location associated with the underground cable route; a total of 4 no. solar farm site entrances (1 no. from the L8084 public road, 1 no. from the L8091 public road, and 2 no. from the L4012 public road); access gates; 4 no. temporary site compounds of c. 4,050 sq m each to be used for storage during construction activity; 48no. Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Containers and 12no. associated MV Stations as well as associated CCTV, BESS Compound fencing, gate, boundary fencing and all associated ancillary drainage development, site works and services. The solar farm will be operational for 40 years. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared in respect of the proposed development and will be submitted to the planning authority with the application. This development is covered by the provisions of the Renewable Energy Directive III (Directive (EU) 2023/2413) and it is important to note that the planning application may be subject to section 34D of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. When a notice issues in accordance with section 34D(b), the provisions of article 26A of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 to 2025 shall apply.