Battery energy storage plant proposed at Rochfortbridge, Co. Westmeath

In context

It is the only battery storage application Westmeath County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 59 nationally. Of the 72 such applications decided by councils in the past three years, 78% 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 Westmeath County Council register. This is the source for every figure in the story above.

amendments to the Energy Storage System (ESS) facility (consented under Westmeath County Council Planning Ref: 21/532) The amendments are as follows: (i) the removal of the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) compound and contents within, including the IPP building and all ancillary items, as previously consented, (ii) reconfiguration of the synchronous condenser compound (area remains at 9,309sqm), (iii) increase the size of the horizontal synchronous generator building and reposition within the compound, (iv) increase of control modules from 5 No. to 8 No., (v) reposition and alteration of associated bunded transformers and electrical plant, (vi) reposition external cooling fans, (vii) provision of a new external containerised diesel generator, and (viii) all ancillary development, including; lightening mast protection, perimeter fencing with access gates, landscaping, lighting, car parking, internal access roads, underground electrical cable routes, and all civil engineering works for the disposal of surface water