Meath County Council grants permission for 40.1-hectare solar farm at Clonymeath and Arodstown, Summerhill, Co. Meath

In context

It is one of 17 solar farm applications Meath 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 2 May 2025. If no appeal is lodged, the council’s decision stands and a final grant issues.

The development description, as lodged

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

the development will consist of: (i) An extension to the permitted Clonymeath Solar Farm (Pl. Ref: 21/546, ABP Ref. 311760, Pl. Ref: 24/60288) comprising the construction and operation of a solar photovoltaic (PV) farm consisting of solar arrays on ground mounted steel frames with a maximum overall height of 3 metres above ground; (ii) 11 no. medium voltage power stations, underground electrical cabling and ducting, security fencing and CCTV stands; (iii) Provision of new internal access tracks and upgrading of existing access tracks, linking with the access track permitted under Planning Reference 21/546, ABP Reference 311760; (iv) Temporary construction compound with temporary site offices and staff facilities; (v) Construction and operational access will be provided via the existing farm entrance off the L2210, to the east of the site; (vi) The removal of the existing hedgerow and boundary wall in the field opposite the existing farm entrance to provide for sufficient sightlines; (vii) The hedgerow will be reinstated set back from the roadside to maintain the necessary sightlines; (viii) Site drainage and; (ix) All ancillary site development works and apparatus.Planning permission is sought for a period of 10 years with an operational life of 35 years from the date of commissioning. Significant further information/revised plans submitted on this application