1-hectare solar farm proposed at Glendalough Hermitage Centre, Brockagh Laragh Glendalough, Co. Wicklow

In context

It is one of 11 solar farm applications Wicklow 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

Anyone can make a submission or observation to Wicklow County Council until 30 September 2026, for a fee of €20. Only those who make a submission can later appeal the decision. The council is due to decide by 8 November 2026, unless it requests further information, which stops the clock.

How to make a submission

The development description, as lodged

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

RED III application Level 3- a relevant solar energy development comprising: a) The relocation, repositioning, and reconfiguration of the permitted ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (pv) installation (comprising 84 No. solar pv panels) from a single row into two parallel ground-mounted arrays, previously granted planning permission under Planning Register Reference Number 24/60730; b) the installation of a solar pv panel array on the roof of the existing coach house and c) a solar panel system on each of the roofs of two newly constructed hermitage units; together with a revision to the site boundary and all associated site works, this development is covered by the provisions of the Renewable Energy Directive III (Directive (EU) 2023/2413) and it is important to note that the planning application may be subject to section 34D of the Planning and Development Act, as amended. When a notice issues in accordance with section 34D(b), the provisions of article 26A of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 to 2025 shall apply