162.6-hectare solar farm proposed at Navan, Co. Meath

In context

It is one of 17 solar farm applications Meath County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 337 nationally. Of the 573 such applications decided by councils in the past three years, 92% 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 Meath County Council register. This is the source for every figure in the story above.

RED III - the development will consist of a 10-year permission for the construction of a solar PV energy development (i.e. a relevant solar energy development as per the Renewable Energy Directive III) within a total site area of approximately 162.64hA, to include solar PV panels ground mounted on steel support structures, electrical transformer/inverter station modules, storage containers, CCTV cameras, access tracks, fencing and associated electrical cabling, ducting and ancillary infrastructure. A Natura Impact Statement accompanies this application. This development is covered by the provisions of the Renewable Energy Directive III (Directive (EU) 2023/2413) and it is important to note that the planning application may be subject to section 34D of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. When a notice issues in accordance with section 34D(b), the provisions of article 26A of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 to 2025 shall apply.