Meath County Council refuses permission for 3.7-hectare solar farm at Scurlockstown, Trim, Co. Meath

In context

It is one of 15 solar farm applications Meath County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 347 nationally. Of the 562 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 14 October 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 will consist of an agricultural development comprising (i) grain intakes, grain drying plant, elevators, conveyors, grain storage silos and grain storage sheds; (ii) upgrade existing entrance onto the R154 Regional Road and the existing access road to the existing dwelling house, farmyard buildings and lands and extend the road to access the proposed agricultural development located on lands zoned RA (Rural Area) also within our ownership; (iii) the extended road comprising metalled carriageway, kerbing, drainage, grass margin, footpath and public lighting shall be constructed through existing designated E1 and E2 Employment zoned lands within our ownership; (iv) 2 no. weighbridges and an office building accommodating the weighbridge office and staff welfare facilities including a wastewater treatment system and percolation area, car and bicycle parking; (v) site services, fuel storage, photovoltaic solar panels to the Southern facing roof planes of proposed grain sheds and associated site works. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared for the proposed development. Significant further information/revised plans submitted on this application