1.3-hectare solar farm proposed at Martinstown, Athboy, Co. Meath

In context

It is one of 15 solar farm applications Meath County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 343 nationally. Of the 562 such applications decided by councils in the past three years, 93% were granted.

What happens next

Anyone can make a submission or observation to Meath County Council until 1 November 2026, for a fee of €20. Only those who make a submission can later appeal the decision. The council normally decides within eight weeks of the application being lodged, unless it requests further information, which stops the clock.

How to make a submission

The development description, as lodged

Verbatim from the Meath County Council register. This is the source for every figure in the story above.

The development will consist of a 10-year permission for the construction of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on a site of approximately 1.34 hectares. It will comprise 24 no. battery energy storage system units, 6 no. transformers, 1 no. control room, 1 no. switchgear, 1 no. storage container, 2 no. water tanks, underground cabling (including a 33 kV grid connection cable from the on-site switchgear to the substation serving the adjacent Martinstown Solar Farm (Planning reference: KA161319)), fencing with access gates, 3 no. closed-circuit television (CCTV) posts, 5 no. lighting posts, 1 no. temporary construction compound, new and upgraded access tracks, and associated landscaping and ancillary works. Access to the Application Site will be provided from an existing access point off the L8005, located to the north of the Application Site. The access point will be upgraded to facilitate safe entry and exit for traffic. The development will have an operational capacity of up to 20-megawatt peak and is designed to have an operational lifetime of 40 years. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared and accompanies the planning 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.