1.4-hectare solar farm proposed at Derrytrasna Park Or Dunamase, Co. Laois

In context

It is one of 6 solar farm applications Laois County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 352 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 Laois 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 Laois County Council register. This is the source for every figure in the story above.

the proposed development will constitute the construction of a 110 kV ‘Loop In-Loop Out’ (LILO) substation connection to the existing Cushaling-Port Laois 110kV Overhead line, and an underground tail fed connection to the Coolnabacky 110kV Substation and associated works which will include the following:• The development will consist of a 110kV substation within the townland of Morett, Co. Laois, comprising the following; o Transmission System Operator (TSO) compound with electrical equipment, transformer sub-compound, bus bars subcompound,cable chairs and substation building of 437.5m² (25m x18m), which will be enclosed by palisade fencing of 2.6m containing an area of 1.22 hectares o One 110kV transformer within the Independent Power Producer (IPP) compound, and the provision of an area for a second transformer if future connection is required; o TSO expansion area enclosed by 2.6m high palisade fencing at 0.90 hectares; o Operators compound (with switch room building, electrical equipment and rainwater collection system) enclosed by palisade fencing at 0.43hectares. The proposed operators control building will have a gross floor area of 403.5m2; o Perimeter protection area of post and rail fencing at approximately 1.40 hectares; o 13 no. lightning masts to a height of 18m; o 1 No. telecom pole to a height of 23m. • New entrance to the L-7815 local road from West Parcel (A) shared with the permitted solar farm within the townland of Morett, Co. Laois. • A minimum width of 4.5m and a maximum width of 10.9m access road corridor (1.183m long). • Underground cable corridor of c. 348m in length and provision of 2 no. 21m high mast structures linking the proposed substation to the adjacent existing Cushaling-Portlaoise 110kV Overhead line within the townland of Morett, Co. Laois. • Associated construction works and drainage infrastructure. • Underground Grid Connection (UGC) of a single 110kV circuit to Coolnabacky 110kV Substation traversing the townlands of Derrytrasna, Park Or Dunamase, Aghnahily, Dysart, Coolnacarrick, Heathlodge, Ballygormill North, Ballinlough,Killenny, Raheen, Money Upper, Lamberton Demesne, Greatheath, Cremorgan, Ballygormill South, Carrigeen, Greatheath, Hophall, Ballycarroll, Morett and Powelstown, Co. Laois, with a cable to run predominantly within the public road for a distance of c. 13.7km along the L-7815, L-3813, L7830, L-7832, R-426 public roads, comprising c.12.5km within the public road, and c.1.2km within an exis