36.3-hectare solar farm proposed at Kilbrew, and Loughlinstown, 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 five-week window for public submissions has closed. The council is due to decide by 23 September 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 - Construction of a solar PV energy development associated Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility with an operational life of 40 years on lands totalling approximately 36.3 hectares. The development will consist of the installation of approximately 208,600 sq. m. of photovoltaic panels on ground mounted frames and associated ancillary development including 3 no. transformer stations, string-inverters attached to panel frames, 25 no. CCTV security cameras mounted on 4 metre high poles, deer-proof perimeter security fencing (2 metres high) raised 200mm to allow for the movement of small mammals and gates; a BESS facility comprising an electrical compound, 180 no. battery storage units, electrical transformer/inverter station modules, 45 no. transformers, 3 no. storage containers, 3 no. 33 kV switch gear rooms, 1 no. control room building, 1 no. water tank, 1 no. underground fire water containment tank, a surface water infiltration area and 7 no. CCTV cameras enclosed with 2.5 metre high security fencing; the creation of a new access on L50161 public road to facilitate construction and operational phase access; internal access tracks between the solar arrays and the site entrance; a temporary construction compound; and all ancillary development works including landscaping and underground cable to connect the proposed transformer stations to a proposed 110kv substation with electrical control building and associated compound the subject of a separate planning permission under the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006. 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. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) will be submitted to the Planning Authority with the application