210-hectare solar farm proposed at Ballyhaukish Millfarm Coolscart Gotoon, Co. Limerick

In context

It is one of 21 solar farm applications Limerick County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 339 nationally. Of the 573 such applications decided by councils in the past three years, 92% were granted.

What happens next

Anyone can make a submission or observation to Limerick County Council until 13 September 2026, for a fee of €20. Only those who make a submission can later appeal the decision. The council is due to decide by 23 September 2026, unless it requests further information, which stops the clock.

How to make a submission

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 the development of a solar farm on a site of 210 hectares consisting of the following: 843,000 sqm of solar photovoltaic panels on ground mounted steel frames; 29 no. hardstanding locations used for electrical skids; 3 no. electrical plant rooms; new internal access tracks; underground power and communications cables and ducts, including along the R513 and L1509 public roads; new access points from the R513, R516, L1509 and L51309 public roads, and upgrades to existing access points from the L1507, L1509 and L51309 public roads; landscaping and biodiversity enhancement measures; security gates; boundary fencing and all associated ancillary development, site works and services. The solar farm will be operational for 40 years. The planning application is accompanied by a Natura Impact Statement. 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