53.1 MW solar farm proposed at land within the townlands, 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.

RED III application for the development, consisting of the construction of a solar photovoltaic (PV) energy development on a site spanning approximately 65.6 hectares. It will comprise ground-mounted solar PV panels installed on steel support structures, along with 17 no. transformers, underground cabling, perimeter fencing with secure access gates, 43 no. closed-circuit television cameras on posts, 3 no. temporary construction compounds, new and upgraded access tracks, and associated landscaping and ancillary works. The site will be accessed from four existing access points off the L-8210, which dissects the application site, three of which will be upgraded to facilitate access. The development will have an operational capacity of up to 53.1 megawatt peak and is designed to operate for 40 years from the date of commissioning. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) will accompany the planning 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