RED III Application - A notice has been given under paragraph (a) of section 34D of the Planning & Development Act 2000…

Application details

Planning reference

20251194

Council

Wexford County Council

Proposal description

RED III Application - A notice has been given under paragraph (a) of section 34D of the Planning & Development Act 2000 (as amended). Permission for development to be known as Shelburne Energy Farm which will consist of a ten year permission for: A solar farm consisting of: Photovoltaic (PV) panels on ground mounted frames, fixed in place using earth screws or driven mini-piles, with a maximum height of 4m above ground level, and a minimum ground clearance of 1.0m above ground level, across three separate land parcels referred to as Array Areas A, B and C providing 92.68 MWp (peak electricity generation under optimal conditions). Inverter units incorporated into the PV support structures; 17 no. transformer centres each measuring approximately 6.1m L x 2.5m W x 3.1m H; Underground electrical cable ducting between solar array areas A, B and C, connecting to the future proposed 220kV substation, including underground connections across local roads and 2no. wooden overhead electric poles, one placed on either side of the Tellarought River to facilitate its crossing; 4no. meteorological stations. A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) providing 54.8MWac of electricity storage for a two-hour duration, secured with 2.6m high palisade fencing and gates, and containing: 79no. of containerised battery storage modules (measuring approximately 6.82m length, 2.44m wide and 2.89m high); 19no. of containerised transformer and Power Conditioning Units (measuring approximately 6.82m length, 2.44m wide and 2.89m high) and ancillary equipment; 8.5m high acoustic barrier for noise attenuation around the BESS compound; Well and pump house to supply 2no. fire fighting tanks for Battery Energy Storage System compound and all associated development including widening of existing field entrance from local road L - 8059-1 to serve the solar array and BESS in Area A and vegetation clearance at all other existing site entrances to provide sight lines, temporary construction compounds (one in each solar array area), 2m high perimeter fencing fitted with mammal passes and security gates, pole mounted CCTV system, lighting, site drainage, fire water tanks, use of existing field entrances for access for construction and operation, internal access tracks, recontouring of land and landscaping, and all other works required to facilitate the proposed development. All on a site of 121.5 hectares. The Applicant is seeking planning permission for a 40-year operational life of the Proposed Development. The planning application includes an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) and a Natura Impact Statement (NIS). The EIAR and NIS contain an assessment of both the proposed development, the subject of the planning application to Wexford County Council, and the related substation and grid connection, details of which are contained below. The development is covered by the provisions of the Renewable Energy Directive III (Directive 2023/2413) X YES NO If YES above, important to note that the planning application is 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. Note: Application for permission for associated development in the townland of Nash to form a connection to the national electricity grid will be made separately and directly to An Coimisiún Pleanála, per Section 182A of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended, or successor legislation. This associated development will consist of: A substation compound measuring an area of approximately 1.0 hectare which will accommodate the following: 1no. Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS) securely fenced compound, which includes 1no.control building (9m L x 7.5m W x 4m H), 1no. transformers, cable sealing ends and associated AIS equipment; 1no. Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) securely fenced compound, which includes a 220kV GIS building (49m L x 18.5m W x 17m H) housing GIS equipment; A grid cable connection from the GIS building to the existing 220kV overhead line circuit to Great Island, comprising 2no. 220kV underground cable circuits measuring approximately 2.9km in length; 2no. Line Cable Interface Masts (LCIMs) and stringing of new conductor to connect to an existing 220kV overhead line circuit to Great Island; and, All associated development including lighting, substation compound site drainage, effluent holding tank, well water supply for substation, internal access circulation area, lightning rods, lighting, dismantling and removal of 1no. existing 220kV overhead line tower and all other works required to facilitate the proposed development

Location / address

Cloonagh/Ballygarvan/Nash, Dunmain

Application type

Permission

Received / registered

22 Sept 2025

Council decision

Granted subject to conditions

Council decision date

5 Jun 2026

Appeal lodged

30 Jun 2026