Planning sought for 40-year Convoy PV Solar Farm to power 2,000 homes

Planning permission has been sought from Donegal County Council for the construction of a photovoltaic (PV) solar farm development in Convoy, which is expected to have an operational life of 40 years.

The development is covered by the provisions of the Renewable Energy Directive (2023/2413/EU), which aims to fast-track renewable energy permissions.

A photovoltaic solar farm is a large-scale installation of solar panels that converts sunlight into electricity. 

The planned location for the development is for two adjacent plots of land covering 13.88 hectares of overall area, to the north of Convoy, in Tullydonnell Upper, off the Letterkenny Road. 

Irish Premium Solar Ltd, the listed applicant, in its online presence in support of the development, envisioned works to begin in the second half of 2027 and would take nine to 12 months to construct.

It stated: “The project will have a maximum export output of circa 10MWm, capable of generating enough renewable energy to power approximately 2,000 homes annually, and will result in an estimated reduction in CO2 emissions of 3000 tons annually."

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A 10-year planning permission is sought for the construction of the photovoltaic solar farm development, which consists of linear arrays of solar PV panels on ground-mounted frames, as well as associated cabling and ducting, a 20KV electrical control building, site entrances and access tracks, transformers and inverters, perimeter fencing up to 2.5 metres high, pole-mounted CCTV cameras, and underground electrical cables to connect the two separate solar farm plots.

Also included in the proposals is a temporary contractor’s compound and a temporary storage area, and all associated site development and ancillary works. 

The proposed underground grid connection cable would be over 600 metres in length and installed along local roads from the proposed onsite electrical control building into the existing Convoy ESB substation.

Within the planning application, Canavan Associates Ltd, on behalf of Irish Premium Solar Ltd, stated: The proposed Convoy Solar Farm Development complies strongly with national, regional, EU, and international climate and energy policies. It supports Ireland’s progress towards meeting Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2021

targets, including net-zero emissions by 2050 and 80% renewable electricity by 2030.”

Canavan Associates Ltd concluded: “This proposal represents a logical, appropriate and sustainable use of the existing wind energy infrastructure. It is well-suited to the site and will contribute meaningfully to Ireland’s energy transition by delivering clean, renewable electricity, enhancing energy security, and supporting local economic development.

“The project aligns with county, regional, and national planning policy, as well as EU directives, presenting a strong and well-supported case for planning approval.”

Donegal County Council has set a decision due date for the submitted planning application for February 21, 2026.