Meath County Council grants permission for 41.3-hectare solar farm at Drogheda, Co. Meath

In context

It is one of 16 solar farm applications Meath County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 349 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 21 December 2023. 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 Meath County Council register. This is the source for every figure in the story above.

a 10-year planning permission for a Solar PV Energy Development with a total site area of c. 41.3ha, to include solar panels mounted on steel support structures, associated cabling and ducting, 11 No. MV Power Stations, 1 No. Client Substation, 10 No. Battery Storage Containers, 1 No. Temporary Construction Compound, tracks, boundary security fencing and security gates, CCTV, landscaping and ancillary works. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been submitted to the Planning Authority with the Application. Significant further information/revised plans submitted on this application