Offaly County Council grants permission for battery energy storage plant at Lumcloon, Cloghan, Co. Offaly

In context

It is one of 5 battery storage applications Offaly County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 60 nationally. Of the 72 such applications decided by councils in the past three years, 78% 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 6 February 2024. If no appeal is lodged, the council’s decision stands and a final grant issues.

The development description, as lodged

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

an extension to the existing battery energy storage system (BESS) facility (consented under Planning Ref 19/55) the proposed development includes the construction of the following: (i) Open area battery energy storage system (BESS) on lands adjoining the existing BESS facility to the east and south, containing a total of 112 modular battery containers and medium voltage power stations (MVPS). The proposed development will utilise the existing customer (IPP) building and electrical infrastructure to connect to the grid via the 110kV Derrycarney transmission substation, which adjoins the BESS facility, (ii) Access to the site is proposed through an upgraded existing entrance onto the R357 regional road, (iii) All civil engineering works, drainage, internal roads, landscaping, lighting and security fencing.