Westmeath County Council grants permission for 157-hectare solar farm at Hiskinstown Ballygillin Ballynacor Stonestown, Co. Westmeath

In context

It is one of 7 solar farm applications Westmeath County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 339 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 13 July 2026. 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 Westmeath County Council register. This is the source for every figure in the story above.

A 10-year planning permission and a 40-year operational life for a solar energy development with a total site area of 157 hectares comprising (i) photovoltaic solar panels on steel mounting frames; (ii) electrical transformer stations; (iii) underground electrical and communications cabling within the proposed development site, private lands and within the carriageway of the L1501, L1505, L5610, L5611 and L5614 public roads; (iv) containerised battery energy storage facility; (v) the upgrade of 4 no. existing site entrances and development of 1 no. new site entrance; (vi) on-site access tracks; (vii) 4 no. temporary construction compounds; (viii) security fencing and gates; (ix) pole-mounted security cameras; and (x) all associated and ancillary site development, landscaping and reinstatement works. This planning application is accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Report and a Natura Impact Statement.