South Dublin County Council grants permission for 6.4-hectare solar farm at Saggart, Co. Dublin

In context

It is one of 13 solar farm applications South Dublin County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 351 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 10 January 2024. If no appeal is lodged, the council’s decision stands and a final grant issues.

The development description, as lodged

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

Permission for development on a site of 6.7ha. The proposed development will consist of the construction of a Photovoltaic Solar development to the North of the Citywest hotel on lands formally in use as a golf course [comprising a change of use from former golf course to solar development]. The proposed development will include the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on ground mounted frames/support structures, underground cabling and ducting, security fencing, CCTV cameras, temporary construction compound and an area of hardstanding for an electrical compound. The electrical compound will consist of two modified shipping containers, containing 3 inverters and LV Switch gear. This compound will also accommodate the Battery Energy Storage system, PV inverter and a transformer. The proposed development includes the above as well as drainage, landscaping, bio-diversity enhancement measures and all other associated site excavation, infrastructural and site development works above and below ground. While the proposed development relates to a total site area of 6.7ha, c.3.5ha of this constitutes the actual land take post development. The operational lifespan of the solar PV development will be 30 years. A Natura Impact statement (NIS) accompanies the planning application.