Plans for €27m solar farm in this Kildare region

A planning application has been submitted for a €27m solar farm in Athy, Co Kildare.

According to Construction Information Services (CIS), planning application number 2660343 has been submitted to Kildare County Council for consideration by Neoen Renewables Ireland Limited.

The application is with respect to a site addressed at: Newtown, Ballycullane Lower and Ballycullane Upper, Athy, Co. Kildare.

The proposed scheme comprises a solar farm development consisting of the following:

• Construction and operation solar PV panels on ground mounted steel supported structures with associated string inverters;
• Installation of 18 transformer stations at various points across the site;
• Internal underground trenching, electrical cabling and ducting between the solar PV arrays and electrical inverters/transformers;
• Provision of one site entrance from the L4014 via an existing agricultural access point and provision of one passing bay along the L4014;
• Provision of internal access tracks and watercourse/drain crossings, perimeter fencing and pole mounted CCTV cameras;
• One temporary construction compound;
• All associated site development, landscaping, drainage arrangements and ancillary works.

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The proposed solar farm development spans a total site area measuring c. 126.4ha, of which c. 65.1ha, the subject of this application, is located in Co. Kildare and c. 61.3ha is located in Co. Carlow.

A separate planning application is being lodged with Carlow County Council.

Permission is sought for a period of 10 years with an operational period of 40 years.

The total capacity of solar PV panels of the entire development including Carlow and Kildare is estimated to be c. 120MW.

A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared and was submitted as part of this application. 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 2000, 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.

The architect for the proposed development is RPS Group.