1.87 MW solar farm proposed at Tirlán Limited, Belview, Co. Kilkenny

In context

It is one of 14 solar farm applications Kilkenny County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 353 nationally. Of the 562 such applications decided by councils in the past three years, 92% were granted.

What happens next

Anyone can make a submission or observation to Kilkenny County Council until 26 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 17 December 2026, unless it requests further information, which stops the clock.

How to make a submission

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 10-year planning permission for a relevant solar energy development consisting of the installation of a ground-mounted solar photovoltaic plant with an approximate capacity of 1.87 MWp DC and a grid connection capacity of approximately 1.56 MW AC. The proposed development will include approximately 2,592 photovoltaic modules installed on fixed mounting structures supported by a driven pile system. The development will also comprise underground direct current and alternating current cabling, string combiner boxes, inverters, a transformer, perimeter security fencing with wildlife access points, CCTV cameras where required, associated drainage measures and all associated civil and site development works. The grid connection will be made via underground cabling to the existing on-site substation located to the southeast of the solar photovoltaic installation. The development will also include the continued use of the existing construction compound, throughout the construction and operational lifespan of the solar photovoltaic development. Upon cessation of the permitted use, the solar photovoltaic development, its associated infrastructure and the construction compound will be removed, and the affected lands will be reinstated. The Tirlán site currently operates under Industrial Emissions Licence Register No. P0963-02 and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Permit No. IE-GHG175-03. 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.