21.8-hectare solar farm proposed at (or Clifden) Churchclara Clarabricken, Co. Kilkenny

In context

It is one of 13 solar farm applications Kilkenny County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 337 nationally. Of the 573 such applications decided by councils in the past three years, 92% were granted.

What happens next

The five-week window for public submissions has closed. The council is due to decide by 9 December 2026, unless it requests further information, which stops the clock.

The development description, as lodged

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

for the development of a 38kV underground grid connection and all ancillary works at this site situated at: Kilderry and adjoining townlands of Scart, Ballynamona, Rathgarvan (or Clifden), Churchclara, Clarabricken, Clara Upper, Clara, Kilmagar, Feathallagh and Ballysallagh Co. Kilkenny. The proposed development will consist of:- i. National grid connection in the form of a 38kV underground electrical cable and all associated infrastructure including electrical and communication ducting. The proposed grid connection is c. 8.54km in length, located within the public road (L6657, L6662, L6656, L2616, L6735 and R712) and within the permitted Kilderry Solar Farm (Pl. Ref. No. 2360382). The purpose of the proposed grid connection is to transmit electricity from the permitted Kilderry Solar Farm to the existing Kilkenny 110kV substation; ii. All associated ancillary site development works including joint bays and communication chambers. The planning application is accompanied by a Natura Impact Statement (NIS). The NIS assesses both the construction and operation of the Proposed Development, as well as integral elements of the wider project infrastructure, comprising the permitted Kilderry Solar Farm (Pl. Ref. 23/60382) which consists of the construction and operation of a solar photovoltaic (PV) farm located in the townland of Kilderry, Co. Kilkenny and all associated works. 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.