Solar Farm Gets Green Light on 413-Acre Louth Site
413-Acre Solar Farm Approved Despite Local Opposition
Louth County Council grants permission for major mid-Louth Solar project
Solar Farm Gets Green Light on 413-Acre Louth Site
The development, known as the Knockdinnin Solar Farm, will include a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) installation and an associated Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility across lands in Dromin, Knockatober, Cangy, Mooremount, Richardstown (ED Stabannan), Painestown, Ballymageragh and Knockdinnin.
The decision was issued on 26 January, following a lengthy planning process and the submission of additional information by the applicant.
Large-Scale Solar and Energy Storage Development
The application, lodged by Knockdinnin Solar Farm Limited, provides for the construction of extensive solar PV arrays mounted on ground-based frames across the site. The development will include:
- Solar PV panels arranged in multiple arrays
- String inverters attached to selected ground-mounted frames
- 12 transformer units across the site
The accompanying Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility will consist of:
- 368 BESS modules
- One transformer unit
- Eight power electronic compact twin skids
- A control unit measuring approximately 12m²
- A 2-metre-high landscaped berm
- Perimeter security fencing standing 2.4 metres high
The BESS facility is designed to store electricity generated during peak production periods and release it back to the grid when demand is high.
Infrastructure, Cabling and Access Works
The approved development also includes extensive supporting infrastructure, such as:
- Electrical and communications cabling within private lands and along the L2254, R170 and R211/R132 public roads
- Pole-mounted security cameras
- Perimeter fencing (2m high) and security gates
- Upgrading of three existing site entrances
- Construction of new site entrances
- Three temporary construction compounds
- Three clear-span bridges
- Internal access tracks
- Landscaping, reinstatement and ancillary development works
Delayed Decision Following Further Information Request
The planning application was originally submitted in April 2025, with a decision initially expected by June of that year. However, Louth County Council sought further information in June, citing the scale and complexity of the development.
The requested information was submitted to the Planning Authority in October 2025, restarting the assessment process.
Strong Local Opposition Raised Concerns
A substantial number of submissions were lodged objecting to both the original application and the subsequent further information.
Concerns raised by objectors included:
- Potential impacts on wildlife and biodiversity
- Loss of productive agricultural land
- Visual and landscape impacts
- Effects on community and family life
- The overall size and scale of the development
Despite these objections, the council concluded that the proposal could proceed subject to a range of planning conditions.
Permission Granted Subject to Conditions
Louth County Council formally granted planning permission on 26 January, attaching conditions relating to construction management, environmental protection, landscaping, traffic control and operational monitoring.
The decision represents one of the largest solar energy approvals in the county to date and forms part of wider national targets to expand renewable energy generation.
Next Steps
The development may now proceed in line with the granted permission, though the decision remains open to appeal within the statutory period.
