Mayo County Council grants permission for solar farm at Clare, Claremorris, Co. Mayo

In context

It is one of 3 solar farm applications Mayo County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 333 nationally. Of the 572 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 29 October 2024. 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 Mayo County Council register. This is the source for every figure in the story above.

10 year planning permission for the construction of a Solar PV farm consisting of up to 19,270 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. The proposed development will include the installation of solar photovoltaic panels on ground mounted frames/support structures, approximately 40 no. inverters, underground cabling and ducting, security fencing, CCTV cameras, use of existing site entrance, internal access tracks, temporary construction compound and an area of hardstanding for an electrical compound. The electrical compound will consist of six modified shipping containers, four of these units will accommodate the transformer stations with LV Switch Gear and ring main unit, the remaining two containers will serve as communication and storage containers. The proposed development includes the above as well as drain reprofiling and settlement pond as part of peatland restoration works, landscaping, bio-diversity enhacement measures and all other associated site excavation, infrastructural and site development works above and below ground. The operational lifespan of the solar PV development will be 35 years. A NIS accompanies the planning application