Longford County Council grants permission for 130-hectare solar farm at Keenagh and Ballymahon, Co. Longford

In context

It is one of 4 solar farm applications Longford County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 335 nationally. Of the 573 such applications decided by councils in the past three years, 92% 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 29 September 2025. 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 Longford County Council register. This is the source for every figure in the story above.

a 10 Year Planning Permission for a solar farm and energy storage compound with a total area of circa 130 hectares. The proposed development will consist of a solar farm comprising of c. 661,500 sq.m of solar photovoltaic panels on ground mounted frames, associated string inverters mounted to rear of panels and 42 no. single storey electrical transformer stations. The proposed development includes an energy storage compound consisting of 38 no. containerised energy storage modules and associated plant and equipment, 10 no. transformers, 2 no. auxiliary transformers, 1 no. medium voltage control / switching substation and 1 no. spare parts container. The proposed development will also include underground electrical ducting and cabling within the development site and within the L1139, L1137, L1135, R392 and L1132 public roads, and crossing of the Royal Canal (either by open trench or horizontal directional drill), temporary construction compounds, security fencing, CCTV, access tracks (including clear span bridge over Donacurry River), landscaping, drainage and all ancillary development works and apparatus necessary to facilitate the proposed development. Construction and operational access will be via 5 no. existing entrances from the L1139, L1137, L1135 and L1132 which will be upgraded and 2 no. new entrances from the L11351. The operational lifespan of the solar farm will be 40 years and planning permission is requested for this duration. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared and will be submitted to the Planning Authority with the application