Plans progressing for 228 acre solar farm in Louth

Plans are progressing for a 92.3 hectare (228.08 acre) solar farm in Louth, which would include a battery energy storage system, and if given the go ahead, would be operational for 40 years.

Elgin Energy ESI Ltd applied to Louth County Council in May 2024, for planning permission for the development at Kilineer, Newtown Monasterboice, Silloge, Balgatheran and Coolfore, Co Louth.

Permission is being sought to construct and complete a Solar PV Energy and BESS Development (battery energy storage system) with a total site area of 92.3 hectares, which would include solar PV panels ground mounted on support structures, inverters, and battery storage infrastructure (BESS units, PCS units, storage and maintenance units).

The planning application also provides for internal access tracks, underground cabling, perimeter fencing with CCTV camera and access gates, temporary construction compounds and all ancillary infrastructure, drainage, additional landscaping and habitat enhancement as required and associated site development works.

A decision had been due on the application last July but further information on the proposed development was requested by the local planning authority. Significant further information was received by Louth County Council on the development on 6 February, with a decision date on the application now due from the local planning authority.