Laois County Council grants permission for 80 MW solar farm at Stradbally, Co. Laois

In context

It is one of 4 solar farm applications Laois County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 335 nationally. Of the 573 such applications decided by councils in the past three years, 92% 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 16 June 2025. If no appeal is lodged, the council’s decision stands and a final grant issues.

The development description, as lodged

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

amend the solar farm permitted under Laois County Council Reg. Ref. 17/532 and consists of a revised solar PV panel arrangement and maximum height of panels up to 3.2 metres; a reconfigured internal access route network; reduced number of MV transformers; provision of string inverters; revised CCTV arrangement; a spare parts storage container; weather stations; monitoring house; toilet facilities; and all other ancillary works associated with the development above and below ground including security fencing and gates, cabling, landscaping and drainage works. It is sought to increase the maximum export capacity of the solar farm to 80 MW and to increase the operational life of the solar farm from 30 to 40 years from the date of commissioning. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) will be submitted to the Planning Authority with the application.