Let there be light: Kilkenny solar farm seeks more time to complete development

The developers behind a solar energy farm in county Kilkenny that was granted planning permission but not completed has applied the the local authority for an extension to its planning.

In 2016 Kilkenny County Council granted Elgin Energy Services Ltd permission to develop a 4MW solar farm, comprising photovoltaic panels on ground mounted frames, on lands at Grange Lower in Goresbridge.

The 28 acre site also received permission for the construction of four single storey inverter/transformer stations and a single storey ESB MV substation, as well as security fencing, CCTV, and “all associated ancillary development works”.

However, the planning period covered on development expires in April 2021, so Elgin have had to return to the local authority requesting an extension to the planning permission.

The local authority is expected to decide on the matter in mid-February.