Westmeath County Council grants permission for 7 MW solar farm at Newdown, The Downs, Co. Westmeath

In context

It is one of 7 solar farm applications Westmeath 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 8 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 Westmeath County Council register. This is the source for every figure in the story above.

Permission for a 7 MW solar farm comprising approximately 20,000 photovoltaic panels on ground mounted frames within total site area of 9.3 hectares, 5 no. single storey inverter/transformer stations, security fencing, CCTV, access road from existing car park area and all associated ancillary development works