19.6-hectare solar farm proposed at Lisnagry, Co. Limerick

In context

It is one of 21 solar farm applications Limerick County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 342 nationally. Of the 562 such applications decided by councils in the past three years, 93% were granted.

What happens next

Anyone can make a submission or observation to Limerick County Council until 2 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 23 November 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 solar photovoltaic farm and co-located Battery Energy Storage System within an application area of approximately 19.57 hectares, comprising ground-mounted solar panels; 34 no. inverter units; 2 no. containerised LV/MV transformer stations; 4 no. battery enclosures; 2 no. Power Conversion System units; a substation building and an underground 10.5 kV grid connection to Ahane 110 kV substation, including an HDD crossing beneath the railway. The development will also include underground cabling; fencing; a gated entrance from the R506; access tracks; CCTV cameras; a temporary construction compound; a public water-main connection; a sealed underground foul-water tank with no public-sewer connection; drainage; landscaping, biodiversity measures and associated works. Construction and operational access will be from the new R506 entrance. Permission is sought for 10 years, with an operational period of 40 years. A Natura impact Statement has been prepared and will be submitted with 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 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