Offaly County Council grants permission for 14 MW solar farm at Clara, near Clara, Co. Offaly

In context

It is one of 28 solar farm applications Offaly County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 333 nationally. Of the 572 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 27 January 2025. If no appeal is lodged, the council’s decision stands and a final grant issues. The applicant sought a 10-year permission, which sets how long they have to start the development.

The development description, as lodged

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

the development and operation of a c. 14MW solar photovoltaic (PV) farm at this 29.75ha site located off Curragh Road (L20171) in the townland of Clara, near Clara, Co. Offaly. The application seeks a 10-year permission with an operational lifetime of 35 years. The development will consist of: • Approximately 38,000 panels on ground mounted metal frames, with a maximum height above ground of 3.17 metres, including string inverters mounted to the rear of the panels; • 1 no. 38kV substation including 1 no. MV switch room, IPP control room, 1 no. ESB switch room, and associated electrical infrastructure; • 3 no. transformer units; • Underground cabling and ducting; • 1 no. temporary construction compound and ancillary facilities for the duration of the construction phase of the project; • Perimeter Fencing; • CCTV; • Site access provided from existing site access off Curragh Road (L20171), internal tracks, site landscaping and all associated site enabling and site development works. This planning application is accompanied by a Natura Impact Statement (NIS).