Wicklow County Council grants permission for battery energy storage plant at Arklow, Co. Wicklow

In context

There were 58 nationally in the past twelve months. Of the 72 such applications decided by councils in the past three years, 78% 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 17 July 2024. If no appeal is lodged, the council’s decision stands and a final grant issues.

The development description, as lodged

Verbatim from the Wicklow County Council register. This is the source for every figure in the story above.

alterations to the development permitted under Reg. Ref. 20/1088, as amended by Reg. Ref. 23/62, and will supersede the permitted information and communications technology (ICT) facility buildings permitted on site. In summary, the development comprises the replacement of the 3 no. part one and part two storey ICT facility buildings permitted on site, with 5 no. part two and part three storey ICT facility buildings with a reduced building footprint, along with an energy centre compound. The Battery Energy Storage System permitted under Reg. Ref. 23/62 and the substation and transmission line connections permitted under ABP Ref. 315200-22 will be unaffected by the proposed alterations. An Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) has been prepared and will be submitted to the planning Authority with the planning application. An EPA-Industrial Emissions Directive (IE) licence will be applied for to facilitate the operation of the proposed development