Louth County Council grants permission for 92.3-hectare solar farm at Kilineer Newtown Monasterboice, Silloge Balgatheran and Coolfore, Co. Louth

In context

It is one of 4 solar farm applications Louth 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 12 March 2025. If no appeal is lodged, the council’s decision stands and a final grant issues.

The development description, as lodged

Verbatim from the Louth County Council register. This is the source for every figure in the story above.

Planning permission is sought for a period of 10 years to construct and complete a Solar PV Energy and BESS Development with a total site area of 92.3 hectares to include; Solar PV panels ground mounted on support structures, inverters, battery storage infrastructure (BESS units, PCS units, storage and maintenance units), internal access tracks, underground cabling, perimeter fencing with CCTV camera and access gates, temporary construction compounds and all ancillary infrastructure, drainage, additional landscaping and habitat enhancement as required and associated site development works. The solar farm would be operational for 40 years. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) will be submitted with this application. *Significant Further Information received on 06/02/2025*Significant Further Information received on 18/02/2025*