Solar farm proposed at Moanoola, Oola, Co. Limerick

In context

It is one of 21 solar farm applications Limerick County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 347 nationally. Of the 561 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 8 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 29 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 temporary access track from the N24 to the consented 142-ha Ballyvalode Solar Farm comprising four land parcels (Limerick City and County Council Pl. Ref. 211565, An Bord Pleanála Ref. PL91.312712). The temporary access track will be 375 meters long, 5 m in width and will include two designated passing bays of approximately 50 m in length to facilitate the safe passing of construction vehicles and plant machinery. Approximately 40–50 m of localised excavation will be undertaken to facilitate the connection of the floating road to the existing founded road (i.e. the N24 and a gravel access track), with the excavated material replaced by permeable macadam to minimise surface water runoff onto the N24. A drainage swale will be provided along the north-eastern side of the access track to collect and convey surface water, with the track designed to incorporate a 2% crossfall towards the swale to promote effective drainage. The development also includes designated entrance and exit points, perimeter fencing and gates, temporary on-site storage of excavated material pending reinstatement, and all associated ancillary site development works. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared and will be submitted to the Planning Authority with the application