137-hectare solar farm proposed at Fyanstown, Kilmainham Rossmeen and Sedenrath, 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 is due to decide by 29 April 2026, 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 APPLICATION- A solar farm and energy storage compound with a total area of circa 137 hectares. The proposed development will consist of a solar farm comprising of c. 462,660 sq.m of solar photovoltaic panels on ground mounted frames, associated string inverters mounted to rear of panels and 41 no. single storey electrical transformer stations and 1 no. medium voltage control/switching substation. The energy storage compound will consist of 70 no. containerised energy storage modules and associated plant and equipment, 35 no. transformers and 5 no. auxiliary transformers, 2 no. spare parts containers and 1. no. medium voltage control/switching substation. The overall project will also consist of underground electrical ducting and cabling within the development site and within the R163 and R147 public roads, Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) crossing of the Blackwater River, temporary construction compounds, security fencing, CCTV, access tracks, landscaping, drainage and all ancillary development works and apparatus necessary to facilitate the proposed development. Construction and operational access will be via 2 no. existing entrances from the R147 and R163 which will be upgraded. The operational lifespan of the solar farm will be 40 years and planning permission is requested for this duration. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared and will be submitted to the Planning Authority with the application. The NIS includes an assessment of the grid connection for the solar farm project comprising a 110kV electricity substation and ‘loop-in / loop-out’ grid connection cabling to the existing Arvagh/Navan 110kV overhead line which will be the subject of an application to An Coimisiún Pleanála and is situated in the townland of Kilmainham, Kells, Co. Meath. 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.