Wind farm grid connection works proposed at Cronelea, Shillelagh, Co. Wicklow

In context

It is one of 2 wind energy applications Wicklow County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 57 nationally. Of the 82 such applications decided by councils in the past three years, 74% were granted.

What happens next

Anyone can make a submission or observation to Wicklow County Council until 2 November 2026, for a fee of €20. Only those who make a submission can later appeal the decision. The council normally decides within eight weeks of the application being lodged, 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.

The extension of the operational life of the existing Cronelea Wind Farm and associated infrastructure (as permitted pursuant to Wicklow County Council Planning Register Reference 01/4805) for a further period of 20 years from the date of the expiry of its current operational duration. No changes are proposed to the number or dimensions of the existing permitted wind turbines. The existing wind farm comprises: (i) four (4) wind turbines; (ii) associated turbine foundations and crane hardstandings; (iii) 1.7 kilometres of on-site access tracks; and (iv) underground electrical and communications cabling. The development provides for the installation of an aviation warning light on turbines T2, T3 and T4. This planning application is accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment Report and an Appropriate Assessment Screening which include an assessment of the likely significant effects of the proposed development; both individually and in combination with the relevant off-site or secondary developments which will occur as a direct result of the development, including the development’s existing grid connection infrastructure which comprises an electrical substation and approximately 14km of 20kV underground electricity line located within the townlands of Cronelea, Ballymarroge, Laragh, Kilquiggin, Quigginroe, Killabeg, Coolkenna, Lumcloon, Killinure, Rath East, Rath, and Knockloe, County Wicklow; and Ballyvangour and Tullowphelim, County Carlow.