85 MW solar farm proposed at Carrowroe and Aghaloughan, Co. Longford

In context

It is one of 4 solar farm applications Longford County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 349 nationally. Of the 563 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 is due to decide by 30 September 2027, 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.

RED III application for a 10 Year Planning Permission with an operational lifespan of 40 years. The grid connection route (subject to a separate future planning application to An Coimisiún Pleanála) will be in the townlands of Aghamore and Lanesborough. 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. The planning application is subject to a completeness check under section 37JA of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended by the European Union (Planning and Development) (Renewable Energy) Regulations 2025. The development consists of: a solar farm with a total area of circa 146.93 ha. The proposed solar farm development spans a total site area measuring circa 96.3ha. The export capacity to the grid is estimated to be up to 85 MW. The proposed development will consist of a solar farm comprising of: • Installation of approximately 49.1 ha (approximately 910,650 sqm solar PV panel arrays, to include approximately 491,270 sqm of ground-mounted panels supported by steel frame structures, and the remaining area as solar array row spacing. • Construction of 24 MV stations. • A 110 kV on-site substation (0.7 ha) and approximately 1.7 km of underground cabling to connect to the national grid (subject to a separate future planning application to An Coimisiún Pleanála). The grid connection route will be in the townlands of Aghamore and Lanesborough. • Installation of underground cabling and ducting, comprising approximately 3.13 km along the public roads R392, L1168, L5264 and L1164. • Provision of two temporary site compounds, welfare facilities and materials storage areas. • Provision of seven temporary laydown areas for materials storage and welfare units (portaloos). • Construction of approximately 8.9 km of internal access tracks throughout the site. • Erection of 19 no. pole mounted, inward facing CCTV cameras for site monitoring across the proposed development. • Construction and operational access via existing entrances on the R392, L5264 & L1164. • Removal of agricultural cattle crush at the R392. • Landscaping and biodiversity enhancement measures. The proposed development will also inc