28.1-hectare solar farm proposed at Tullamore, Co. Offaly

In context

It is one of 28 solar farm applications Offaly 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 normally decides within eight weeks of the application being lodged, unless it requests further information, which stops the clock.

The development description, as lodged

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

a period of 10 years to construct and complete a Solar PV development (RED III) (i.e. a relevant solar energy development as per the Renewable Energy Directive III) with a total site area of c. 28.1 hectares, to include solar PV ground mounted support structures, string inverters, transformer stations, electrical cabling and ducting, internal access tracks and hardstanding areas, perimeter fencing and access gate, CCTV, a temporary construction compound and other ancillary infrastructure including drainage, additional landscaping and habitat enhancement as required and associated site development works relating to the access of the site. The solar farm will be operational for 40 years in the townlands of Derrygrogan Little and Derrygrogan Big, Tullamore, Co. Offaly. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been submitted with this 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