Limerick County Council grants permission for wind farm grid connection works at Kilathmoy Substation, Athea Upper, Co. Limerick

In context

It is one of 3 wind energy applications Limerick County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 62 nationally. Of the 85 such applications decided by councils in the past three years, 74% 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 23 July 2026. 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.

Notice for Renewable Energy Directive III (RED III) Development - 10 year Permission for development of a Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) facility at this site within the townland of Athea Upper, Athea, Co. Limerick. The development will consist of: (a) removal of selected items of existing grid support equipment and plant at the Kilathmoy wind farm substation (2 no battery containers and associated inverters, transformers and HVAC units, diesel generator and associated diesel tank, pre-fabricated electrical containers, sections of compound security fencing), and (b) construction of a Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) facility containing a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) compound consisting of BESS units, (approximately 5m in height) with associated HVAC units, transformers, inverters; underground cabling; 1 no pre-fabricated communications and control container; lighting, CCTV, lightning masts; diesel generator and associated diesel tank; water storage tanks (approximately 3.6m in height); store containers; securing fencing, internal access track and access gates and all associated ancillary works including drainage, earthworks and retaining structures necessary to facilitate the development The application will replace the previously consented (but unbuilt) BESS facility granted under planning ref (21/1702). A 10 year permission is being sought in respect of the development. A Natura Impact Statement has been prepared as part of the application. 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, 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.