The start of 2026 has been a strong period in the planning system for solar farm projects. Virtually every large-scale solar project continues to attract dozens, and in some cases hundreds, of objections, with local groups forming to oppose the proposals.

However, the solar industry shows no sign of slowing. Following a very busy start to the year, close to 4,000 ac of new solar farms are now either in the planning system, have secured permission or have been appealed in January in the Republic of Ireland.

This article brings you a rundown of what has been happening in your area.

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Cork

The planning application for the Greenhill Solar Farm, set to be one of Ireland’s largest at 800ac, was submitted in January. The application by Ørsted Onshore Ireland Midco Ltd seeks a 10-year planning permission with an operational lifespan of 40 years.

The proposed solar farm is located across the townlands of Knocknagappagh, Barnaviddane, Ballyneague, Ballydaniel, Youghalpark, Ballydaheen and Cornaveigh in Cork, and has drawn significant opposition.

Elsewhere, Engie Developments Ireland Ltd is trying to overturn a decision to refuse permission for the development and operation of a 13.8MW solar photovoltaic farm on a 53ac site, close to the village of Berrings in the Inniscarra area west of Cork. The application requested a 10-year permission with an operational lifespan of 35 years.

The proposal was refused by the Cork County Council in December on three grounds, including the lack of sufficient mitigation measures, such as appropriate natural screening and landscaping. This refusal was subsequently appealed in January.

Soleire Renewables Holdings Ltd submitted a planning application for a 137ac solar farm and underground grid connection in the townlands of Castleharrison, Ardnageehy and Ballynadrideen, Cork.

The proposed development consists of two separate land parcels divided by the proposed M20 motorway, connected via underground cabling constructed beneath the motorway, and linking with the previously permitted Ardnageehy Solar Farm and onward to the national grid at the Ballyroe 110kV Substation.

Louth

Lightsource Renewable Energy Ireland Ltd was granted planning permission in January for a 268ac solar PV development and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on lands 5km northeast in Louth.

The permission provides for a 10-year construction period and a 40-year operational lifespan. The application attracted more than 110 submissions from individuals, community groups and environmental organisations. Permission was granted subject to 22 conditions, including a requirement to pay €741,450 in financial contributions to Louth County Council.

Elsewhere in Louth, Regnum Renewables has secured planning permission for a its Knockdinnin Solar Farm, a large-scale solar farm and BESS development spanning approximately 412ac.

The application, lodged last April, relates to lands across several townlands near Dunleer and provides for a 10-year construction period and a 40-year operational lifespan.

Permission was granted by Louth County Council and is subject to 20 planning conditions, including a development contribution of €860,000.

Kildare

Cadamstown Solar Ltd applied to Kildare County Council for permission to develop a €41m solar photovoltaic energy project on a 114ac site in the townland of Kilglass, near Broadford, Kildare.

The application sought a 10-year period to construct and complete the development, with the solar farm intended to operate for 35 years. It attracted more than 30 submissions, many of which were objections.

On 16 January, the council refused permission, citing a lack of compliance with the County Development Plan and insufficient information relating to site access.

Offaly

Ballyteige Solar Ltd submitted a planning application seeking a permission to construct and complete a solar farm on a 70ac site in the townlands of Derrygrogan Little and Derrygrogan Big, Tullamore, Offaly, with an operational lifespan of 40 years.

A Natura Impact Statement accompanied the application, however, it was invalidated in January due to an incomplete application.

Clare

An Coimisiún Pleanála has upheld permission for a major solar farm in south-east Clare following appeals by local residents against the initial approval.

The appeals raised concerns regarding potential property devaluation, pollution and health impacts.

The project, proposed by Castlebank Green Energy Ltd, had originally been granted planning permission in June for a 89ac site, close to Ardnacrusha. In approving the development last month, An Coimisiún Pleanála cited its compliance with European legislation, renewable energy policy and national planning

Elsewhere, BNRG Ballycunneen Ltd has appealed a decision by Clare County Council to refuse permission last month for a large-scale solar farm across several townlands in Clare.

The proposed project, with a capacity of up to 60MW, would span approximately 242ac. Permission was sought for a 10-year construction period and a 40-year operational lifespan.

Galway

In Galway, Ballymoneen Solar Limited is seeking an extension of duration for an already approved solar PV and battery storage development at Ballymoneen and Grange East, Cregmore, Galway.

The application seeks to extend the previously granted five-year period to construct and complete the development, which comprises a solar farm and battery storage facility on a 348ac site, and would have an operational lifespan of 35 years.

Waterford

Cullenagh Solar Farm Ltd are set to defend permission for a 10-year planning permission for the construction of a solar PV development on a 108ac site spanning the townlands of Lahardan, Glenhouse, Kilmoyemoge East, Kilmoyemoge West, Ballycahane and Hacketstown in Waterford.

Although the development was granted permission last December by Waterford County Council, the decision was appealed this month.

Longford

BNRG Ballymahon Ltd has applied for a 10-year planning permission for a large-scale solar farm and energy storage development across Longford.

The proposed development would cover approx 275ac. The application, which is accompanied by a Natura Impact Statement, has been placed on hold pending the submission of further information.

Carlow

Ørsted Onshore Ireland Midco Ltd has secured 10-year planning permission for a renewable energy development comprising a 63MW solar farm on a 294ac site in the townlands of Rathrush, Emlicon and Bendinstown, Carlow.

Although the proposal was initially refused, it was subsequently appealed, with conditional planning permission granted last month.

Tipperary

Marmoris Ltd has been granted planning permission for a large-scale solar farm on a 549ac site in Killough following an appeal of an earlier local authority decision.

The development includes landscaping, biodiversity enhancement measures, and bat, bird and archaeological buffer zones, and is located near the protected Killough Castle and Tower House. Permission provides for a 10-year construction period and a 40-year operational lifespan.

Cavan

Plans have been brought forward by Mannok Cement Ltd for a large-scale solar energy farm spanning more than 100ac in north Cavan.

The development would be located on lands to the west of the company’s headquarters in Ballyconnell.

Donegal

As reported last month, Irish Premium Solar Ltd has applied for 10-year planning permission to develop a 34ac solar farm in the townlands of Tullydonnell Upper and Convoy Townparks, near Convoy, east Donegal.