CARLOW, Ireland -- Carlow County Council has granted planning permission for a major solar farm in Co Carlow that will feature critical electrical infrastructure, including 11 transformer/inverter stations vital for energy conversion and grid integration.

Developed by Ballyloo Solar Farm Limited, the project spans approximately 73 hectares across the townlands of Ballybar Lower, Ballybar Upper, Ballycarney, Ballyloo, Linkardstown, Park, and Tinryland.

Transformer stations will serve as essential components for stepping up electricity generated by the solar panels to a usable level for distribution across the grid. Infrastructure will also include connections beneath the M9 motorway and several local roads (L1010, L3050, L3051, L3052).

Access will be provided via the L1022 and L1010, and the full development is approved for an operational lifespan of 40 years, with 10 years granted for construction.

A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) was submitted as part of the application, and planning was approved with 36 conditions attached.

The project supports Ireland's energy security and renewables goals through robust infrastructure investment, with transformer stations positioned as a backbone of the site's performance.

Source: independent.ie