Permission granted for Carlow solar farm as council’s decision overturned

Carlow County Council’s decision to refuse planning permission for a solar farm has been overturned by An Coimisiún Pleanála.

Following an appeal, permission has been granted for the development of the 132 hectare site on lands including Straboe and Killerrig.

The plans, which were submitted by Lightsource Renewable Energy Ireland Ltd, include the installation of solar panels mounted on steel support structures, associated cabling and substations.

Permanent storage containers, monitoring houses and battery blocks also form part of the plans.

As well as that, works on boundary security fencing, CCTV and landscaping will be undertaken. It is envisaged that the farm will have an initial 40-year operational period.

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Carlow County Council refused permission for the development in August 2025, with a number of reasons listed.

The council said that the development would “result in disproportionate and adverse landscape and visual impacts on the predominantly rural and agricultural landscape”.

It added that the solar farm would “be out of scale and unduly detract from and erode these characteristics which contribute to its landscape value”.

The council also noted the site’s proximity to Duckett’s Grove, which is a protected structure and a popular tourist attraction.

It believed that the developers did not demonstrate that the development would not “detract from the character, setting and historic landscape of Duckett’s Grove”.

The council received a number of third party submissions, many of which opposed the development on similar grounds.

One local resident said that he has been living in the area for 42 years but is considering moving away for the first time.

He described the development as a “monstrosity” and raised concerns over noise pollution, his quality of life and the valuation of his home.

However, following an appeal, An Coimisiún Pleanála have since granted permission for the development.

In its decision, the commission factored in climate legislation, such as Section 15(1) of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Act 2015.

Such legislation aims at “mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the effects of climate change in the State”.

The commission said that the development would “make a positive contribution to Ireland’s requirements for renewable energy in accordance with national, regional and local policy”.

With regard to visual impact, the commission was satisfied that the development would not have a negative impact on the rural area.

Its decision stated: “It is considered that the proposed development would not have an unacceptable impact on the character of the landscape or on cultural heritage.

“It would not seriously injure the visual and residential amenities of the area, including designated views and prospects and scenic routes and would be acceptable in terms of public health and traffic safety.”

As a result, Lightsource Renewable Energy Ireland Ltd was granted planning permission for the development on March 23.