11.2-hectare solar farm proposed at Shanmullagh, Ballinamuck, Co. Longford

In context

It is one of 4 solar farm applications Longford 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 Longford 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 11 hectares. The solar farm will consist of solar panels on ground mounted frames, 14 no. single storey electrical inverter stations and 1 no. single storey electrical LV/MV transformer station, 2 no. single storey spare parts containers, 1 no. Ring Main Units, 1 no. MV substation, underground electrical ducting and cabling within the development site, security fencing, CCTV, access tracks, temporary construction compounds, landscaping and all associated ancillary development and drainage works. The proposed development will connect into the existing 20kV overhead electricity line that crosses the site. Construction and operational vehicle access will be via 1 no. new entrance from the L-10193 public road. The operational lifespan of the solar farm will be 40 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)