Waterford City and County Council grants permission for 43.6-hectare solar farm at Lahardan Glenhouse Kilmoyemoge East, Kilmoyemoge West Ballycahane, Co. Waterford

In context

It is one of 16 solar farm applications Waterford City and 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 applicant, or anyone who made a submission on the application, can appeal the decision to An Coimisiún Pleanála within four weeks of 1 December 2025. 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 Waterford City and County Council register. This is the source for every figure in the story above.

a 10-year planning permission for development at the site . This development will consist of the construction of a solar PV development on a ca. 43.6 hectare site consisting of: I. Solar PV panels laid out in arrays across the Site on ground-mounted frames and ballast mounts; II. 9 No. Transformer Inverter Unit / Stations; III. Electrical and communications cabling within private lands and within the L4026 and L40262 public roads and minor local road; IV. Pole-mounted security cameras; V. Perimeter security fencing (2m high) and security gates; VI. Upgrade of 1 No. existing entrance along the L4026; VII. Closure of existing entrance and development of 1 No. new Site entrance on the L40262; VIII. Upgrade works at the junction of L4026 and L40262; IX. 2 No. temporary construction compounds X. Internal access tracks; and, XI. All associated ancillary site development, drainage, landscaping and reinstatement works. The operational lifespan of the development will be 40 years and planning permission is requested for this duration. A Natura Impact Statement will accompany the planning application. The development is covered by the provisions of the Renewable Energy Directive III (Directive 2023/2413).