Meath County Council grants permission for 63-hectare solar farm at Knavinstown and Coolfore, Curragha, Co. Meath

In context

It is one of 17 solar farm applications Meath County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 339 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 19 August 2026. 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 proposed development comprises a 10-year planning consent for a ground-mounted solar PV energy installation on a site of approximately 62.96 hectares. It will include solar panels mounted on fixed-tilt frames with associated pile-driven support structures, inverters, transformers, a client substation, internal access tracks, underground cabling, perimeter deer fencing, CCTV security poles, welfare facilities and a temporary construction compound. Site access will be provided via an existing upgraded and widened entrance onto the R155. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been submitted with this application. Significant further information/revised plans submitted on this application