Longford County Council grants permission for 11.2-hectare solar farm 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 applicant, or anyone who made a submission on the application, can appeal the decision to An Coimisiún Pleanála within four weeks of 15 May 2026. 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.

RED III application for 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. 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) 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