Limerick County Council refuses permission for 63.4-hectare solar farm at Ardgoulbeg, near Rathkeale, Co. Limerick

In context

It is one of 21 solar farm applications Limerick County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 333 nationally. Of the 572 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 22 October 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 Limerick County Council register. This is the source for every figure in the story above.

the development that will consist of: A 10-year permission for the development of a solar farm on a site of 63.4 hectares consisting of the following: 301,000 sqm of solar photovoltaic panels on ground mounted steel frames; 10 hardstanding locations for electrical skids; new internal access tracks; underground power and communications cables and ducts; a new access from the L1219 public road; access gates; landscaping and biodiversity enhancement measures; security gates; boundary fencing and all associated ancillary development, site works and services. Installations of internal network cable to facilitate a future under-the fence connection from an on-site transformer compound to the existing Rathkeale 110kV substation which is located adjacent to the site. The on-site transformer compound will enclose an Independent Power Producer Building of 30.8 sqm, a 110 kV transformer, an 18 m high lightning monopole mast, and associated ancillary development. The solar farm will be operational for 40 years