For a ten-year planning permission for a renewable energy development comprising the construction of a c.

Application details

Planning reference

2460295

Council

Carlow County Council

Proposal description

For a ten-year planning permission for a renewable energy development comprising the construction of a c. 63MW solar farm of 118.9ha and associated works in the Townlands of Rathrush, Emlicon and Bendinstown, Co Carlow. The proposed development will consist of: • A c. 63MW solar farm comprising ground mounted solar photovoltaic panels. • 15 No. Invertor Combiner Kiosk /Transformers and hardstands. • 1 No. Ring Main Unit. • 2 No. spare parts storage containers. • Provision of site access tracks and upgrading of existing tracks. • Underground cabling within the solar farm site, in private lands and under the L7111, L7114, L7115 local roads to connect the solar farm field parcels, and to connect the solar farm to the permitted Garreenleen Substation. • 3 No. temporary construction compounds. • Demolition of derelict agricultural building and disused silage storage structure. • Upgrading and widening works at Site entrances. • All ancillary development including such as an up to 2.4m high stock proof fence, CCTV and drainage infrastructure. This application is seeking a ten-year permission and a 35-year operational period from the date of overall commissioning of the solar farm. This application is accompanied by a Natura Impact Statement (NIS)

Location / address

Rathrush Emlicon and Bendinstown , Ballon , Co. Carlow

Application type

PERMISSION

Received / registered

17 Sept 2024

Council status

APPLICATION FINALISED

Council decision

REFUSED

Council decision date

31 Jul 2025

Appeal lodged

26 Aug 2025

Appeal decision

Grant Permissions with Conditions

Appeal decision date

7 Jan 2026

Planning timeline

Key dated milestones from the council planning record and An Coimisiún Pleanála appeal records.

1. Application received

   17 Sept 2024

2. Decision: REFUSED

   31 Jul 2025

3. Appeal lodged with An Coimisiún Pleanála

   26 Aug 2025Official An Coimisiún Pleanála dataView appeal case

4. Appeal decision: Grant Permissions with Conditions

   7 Jan 2026Official An Coimisiún Pleanála dataView appeal case