Sligo County Council grants permission for battery energy storage plant at Ballysumaghan Fannybrook, Quarry Lane, Co. Sligo

In context

There were 60 nationally in the past twelve months. 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 10 October 2023. 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 Sligo County Council register. This is the source for every figure in the story above.

A 10 year planning permission for the construction of a: 1. enclosed battery energy storage system compound on a total of up to c. 5.05 hectare site, to include: • 150 battery units set inside storage blocks on concrete support structures containing Heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit (HVAC units); • Transformer and inverter units on concrete support structures; • 1 no. two storey customer 220kV Gas Insulated Substation (GIS) (See Drawing 23553-201 and 23552-202); • 1No. Customer Control Building and 220kV Transformer with associated Switchgear; • 3No. Containing Back-up Generators, Auxiliary Transformers, Switchgear containers, LV and Control Containers; • 1No. Lightning Pole; • 2No. Firewater reservoir ponds with Pumping station and 1No. detention basin with associated drainage systems (as per Drawing 23553-102); • Security gates, 2.6m palisade perimeter security fencing, CCTV and lighting system, landscaping works and all associated ancillary infrastructure; • 4.5m wide Access tracks and site entrance along with upgrade works on the public site access road (c.950m), • Associated electrical cabling and ducting and all other ancillary and miscellaneous site works including site clearance; site access, internal roads and development of areas of hard standing including a maintenance lay-down area. • c.100m of underground cabling ducts and cable to the neighbouring ESB substation. A Natura Impact Statement has been prepared for this proposed development to assess and mitigate any potential ecological impacts. the development will be located at a site in the townland of Ballysumaghan, Fannybrook, Quarry Lane Co. Sligo. The proposed development will have a projected life span of 35 years.