Kilkenny County Council grants permission for battery energy storage plant at Moatpark, Ballyragget, Co. Kilkenny

In context

There were 58 nationally in the past twelve months. Of the 72 such applications decided by councils in the past three years, 78% were granted.

What happens next

The applicant, or anyone who made a submission on the application, can appeal the decision to An Coimisiún Pleanála within four weeks of 10 December 2024. If no appeal is lodged, the council’s decision stands and a final grant issues. The applicant sought a 10-year permission, which sets how long they have to start the development.

The development description, as lodged

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

for a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in the townland of Moatpark, Ballyragget, Co. Kilkenny. The development will consist of; • A 10-year Planning Permission and an operational life of 35 years • 29 units of 8 containers on concrete plinth foundations containing batteries and related equipment • 29 no. prefabricated modular power conversion units • Containerised power transformers • Underground electrical and communications cabling • Upgrade of existing site access • Provision of on-site access tracks • 1 no. temporary construction compound • 4 no. spare parts containers • All associated and ancillary site development, lighting, perimeter fence, landscaping, drainage and CCTV. The planning application will be accompanied by a Natura Impact Statement (NIS).