7.2-hectare solar farm proposed at The National Technology Park, Plassey Limerick, Co. Limerick

In context

It is one of 21 solar farm applications Limerick County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 337 nationally. Of the 573 such applications decided by councils in the past three years, 92% were granted.

What happens next

The five-week window for public submissions has closed. The council normally decides within eight weeks of the application being lodged, unless it requests further information, which stops the clock.

The development description, as lodged

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

a 10 Year Planning Permission for a solar farm with a total area of circa 7.2 hectares at The National Technology Park, (in the townland of Rivers), Plassey, Limerick. The solar farm will consist of solar panels on ground mounted frames, 18 no. electrical inverter stations and 1 no. single storey electrical LV/MV transformer station, 2 no. single storey spare parts containers, underground electrical ducting and cabling within the development site, security fencing, CCTV, access tracks, temporary construction compound, landscaping and all associated ancillary development and drainage works. Construction and operational vehicle access will be via an existing entrance from Plassey Park Road. The operational lifespan of the solar farm will be 25 years and planning permission is requested for this duration. 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