Battery energy storage plant proposed at Mell and Tullyallen, Drogheda, Co. Louth

In context

It is the only battery storage application Louth County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 59 nationally. Of the 72 such applications decided by councils in the past three years, 78% 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 Louth County Council register. This is the source for every figure in the story above.

Permission for a 10 year development for a Battery Energy Storage System and underground cabling grid connection to the existing Drybridge 110kV substation. The proposed development will comprise of 96 no. containerised energy storage modules, 8 no. twin skid inverters, 6 no. auxiliary transformers, 2 no. spare parts containers, security fencing, landscaping, drainage and all associated ancillary development works and apparatus necessary to facilitate the proposed development. Planning permission is sought for 1 no. 38kV substation and associated electrical compound, including single storey control building, line bay, transformer and accompanying apparatus, and associated grid connection between the proposed substation and Drybridge 110kV substation comprising 38kV underground electricity cabling of c.1.3km in length to be provided in an excavated trench on private lands and the L63324, R168, N51 and L2322 public roads, and all associated site development and reinstatement works. Construction and operation access to the Battery Energy Storage System facility will be via the L63324, off the R168 road. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared and will be submitted to the Planning Authority with the application