9.4-hectare solar farm proposed at Magherareagh, Ardfinnan, Co. Tipperary

In context

It is one of 20 solar farm applications Tipperary County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 345 nationally. Of the 563 such applications decided by councils in the past three years, 93% were granted.

What happens next

Anyone can make a submission or observation to Tipperary County Council until 3 November 2026, for a fee of €20. Only those who make a submission can later appeal the decision. The council is due to decide by 24 November 2026, unless it requests further information, which stops the clock.

How to make a submission

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 construction of a photovoltaic solar farm development - the proposed development seeks a 10-year planning permission for the proposed photovoltaic solar farm development and all associated site works. The development will consist of linear arrays of solar photovoltaic panels on ground mounted frames of ca. 9.40 hectares overall area, including: associated cabling & ducting and hybrid inverters; a 20kV electrical customer control building; ESB modular hub and transformers; site entrance and access track; perimeter fencing up to 2.5 metres high; pole mounted CCTV cameras up to 3 metres high; temporary access track, temporary contractor’s compound & temporary storage area; and all associated site development and ancillary works. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) will be submitted to the Planning Authority in connection with the application. The proposed development will have a 40-year operational life from the date of commissioning