32.6-hectare solar farm proposed at Ballyboe, Co. Tipperary

In context

It is one of 20 solar farm applications Tipperary 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 Tipperary County Council register. This is the source for every figure in the story above.

a RED III development for a period of 10 years for the construction of a solar PV energy development (renewable energy development) with a total site area of 32.6 hectares. The development will consist of PV panels mounted on metal frames, inverter station, string inverters, new access tracks, underground cabling, perimeter fencing with CCTV cameras and access gates, electrical cabling and ducting, new on-site ESB 38kV substation building, 33kV control building, lighting masts, laydown areas, landscaping and all ancillary grid infrastructure and associated works. The grid route is c. 1.06km in length. The Application Site will be accessed from two new access points off the R706, one of which was previously consented under Planning Reference: 19600239. The Proposed Development will connect with and represents an extension to the adjacent solar farm permitted under Planning Reference 19600239 and 21403. Permission is also sought for minor amendments to Planning Reference 19600239 and 21403 which comprises of (1) Minor adjustments to the perimeter fencing (length decreasing by c.1km), (2) Minor adjustments to the red line boundary (decreasing by c.1km), (3) Increase operational lifetime from 30 years to 40 years. The proposed solar farm will connect to the national grid via the new 38kV substation and will have an operational lifetime of 40 years. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared in respect of 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