6.4-hectare solar farm proposed at Monread Business Park, Monread Road, Co. Kildare

In context

It is one of 21 solar farm applications Kildare County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 349 nationally. Of the 563 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 17 November 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 December 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.

The development will consist of a RED III Solar Farm (renewable energy development) on a site having a total area of approximately 6.4 hectares. The proposed development will comprise 9,240 no. photovoltaic solar modules mounted on ground-mounted support structures connected to 15 no. inverters; 1 no. single-storey electrical transformer station; 1 no. single-storey spare-parts storage container; 1 no. weather station; underground electrical ducting and cabling within the application site; security fencing and access gates; CCTV cameras; internal access tracks; a temporary construction compound; landscaping; boundary treatment; and all associated ancillary development, site development and drainage works. Construction and operational access will be provided via the existing internal access road serving the site, which connects to Monread Road through the existing signal-controlled junction serving Monread Business Park. The proposed solar farm will have an operational lifespan of 40 years from the date of commissioning. 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.