14 MW solar farm proposed at 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 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.

(RED 111) a 38kV hybrid grid connection cable and is intended to connect the permitted Ballyboughlin Solar Park (Pl. Ref. 24/60338) to the existing Clara 38kV Substation. The proposed development will consist of: The laying of a 38kV underground electrical grid connection cable (c.4.5km in length), utilising public roads, and the construction of an overhead electrical grid connection cable (c. 0.898km in length), from the existing Clara 38kV substation to the permitted Ballyboughlin Solar Park (Pl. ref. 24/60338). The proposed development includes all associated site development and site enabling works and ancillary infrastructure, including 5 no. joint bays and 38kV underground ducting and cabling. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) accompanies this Planning Application. The NIS assesses both the construction and operation of the Proposed Development, as well as integral elements of the wider project infrastructure, comprising the permitted Ballyboughlin Solar Park (Pl. Ref. 24/60338) which consists of the construction and operation of c. 14MW solar photovoltaic (PV) farm located off Curragh Road (L20171) in the townland of Clara, near Clara, Co. Offaly and all associated works. 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