Large-scale solar farm and battery storage facility approved for Ballymahon area

a RED III Application for a 10 year planning permission with an operational lifespan of 40 years. The development applied for consisted of a solar farm and energy storage compound with a total area of circa 111.1ha. The proposed solar farm development spans a total site area measuring circa 94.18ha. The export capacity to the grid is estimated to be up to 80 MW. The development will consist of a solar farm comprising of: · Installation of approximately 700,000 sqm solar PV panel arrays, to include approximately 355,000 sqm of ground mounted panels supported by steel frame structures, and the remaining area as solar array row spacing. · Installation of approximately 18 MV stations. · An energy storage compound consisting of 56 no. containerised energy storage modules and associated plant and equipment. · Installation of underground cabling and ducting, comprising approximately 1.8 km along the R397 and L5527 public roads. · Provision of temporary site compounds, welfare facilities, and secure materials storage areas. · Construction of circa 3,800m internal access tracks throughout the site. · Erection of approximately 550 m of security fencing around the BESS compound and pole-mounted CCTV cameras for site monitoring. · Construction and operational access via two existing entrances on the R397 and L5527 roads. · Landscaping and biodiversity enhancement measures. The proposed development will also include drainage and all ancillary development works and apparatus necessary to facilitate the proposed development. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been submitted to the Planning Authority with the application. The application may also be viewed/downloaded on the following website; https://www.bnrgballymahon.com/