Decision on plans for large solar farm and asscoiated works in Kilkenny

Permission has been granted, subject to 42 conditions, for a 10-year planning permission for a solar farm with a total area of circa 189 hectares in South Kilkenny.

The development relates to townlands including Atateemore or Blackneys, Ballyhobuck, Ballyrahan, Carriganurra, Charlestown, Davidstown, Drumdowney Lower, Drumdowney Upper, Gorteens, Grogan, Kilmurry, Nicholastown, Rathpatrick, Scartnamoe, Tinvaucoosh and Treanaree.

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The solar farm is planned to consist of solar panels on ground mounted frames, 27 single-storey electrical inverter/transformer stations, five single-storey spare parts containers, three ring main units, five weather stations, underground electrical ducting and cabling within the development site.

Also planned is security fencing, CCTV, access tracks, seven watercourse/drain deck crossings and four horizontal directional drill crossings (under the N25 and N29 and the Luffany River), temporary construction compounds, landscaping and all associated ancillary development and drainage works.

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Construction and operational access will be via seven existing entrances from the L3429, L7469, L7466, L4783 and L34142 which will be subject to entrance upgrade works.

Separate construction phase access options are proposed for Parcel 4 via Port of Waterford and the L4783.

The operational lifespan of the solar farm will be 40 years and planning permission is requested for this duration.

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Following a review of all relevant materials, including submissions and further information, a decision to grant planning permission was made by the planning authority on February 13, 2026.

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