Planning permission lodged for major solar farm development in Tipperary
Project will cover 32 hectares, with panels, substation, fencing, and access roads
A new planning application has been submitted to Tipperary County Council for a large solar energy project in the townland of Ballyboe.
The application was received on 29 January 2026, with a decision expected by 25 March 2026. Members of the public can make submissions on the proposal until 4 March 2026.
The project is for a renewable energy development under the RED III scheme and would cover around 32.6 hectares. It includes the installation of solar panels on metal frames, inverter stations, new access roads, underground cabling, and perimeter fencing with CCTV cameras.
Other elements include access gates, electrical cabling, a new on-site 38kV ESB substation, a 33kV control building, lighting masts, laydown areas, landscaping, and all associated grid infrastructure. The connection to the national grid will run along a route of approximately 1.06km.
The site will have two new access points from the R706 road, one of which was previously approved under Planning Reference 19600239.
The proposed development would also extend an existing nearby solar farm, already permitted under Planning References 19600239 and 21403.
The application seeks minor changes to the previous approvals, including a slight reduction in the perimeter fencing and site boundary (around 1km), and an increase in the operational lifetime of the solar farm from 30 to 40 years.
A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been submitted as part of the application to assess environmental effects.
The project falls under the Renewable Energy Directive III (EU Directive 2023/2413) and may be subject to Section 34D of the Planning and Development Act 2000, with relevant regulations applying under Article 26A of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001–2025.
Residents and interested parties can submit comments or observations on the application until 4 March 2026.