Here is today's round-up of town planning news from around Ireland, covering a split decision on a Longford solar farm, a longer timeline for the Dublin Array offshore wind farm, a rightsizing housing pilot in Cork and local planning decisions in Waterford, Donegal, Kerry and Kildare.
Appeals body issues split decision on Ballymahon solar farm
An Coimisiún Pleanála has granted permission for most of a solar farm on the outskirts of Ballymahon, Co Longford, which would export up to 80 megawatts from a site of more than 94 hectares. However, the commission refused the proposed battery energy storage system and 550 metres of security fencing, saying it could not be certain the battery system would meet environmental requirements, including the management of contaminated water in the event of a fire.
Source: Midlands 103 (23 October 2026) (https://www.midlands103.com/news/midlands-news/split-decision-issued-for-midlands-solar-farm/)
Bat surveys push back Dublin Array planning timetable
RWE has secured an extension until 31 January 2027 to respond to An Coimisiún Pleanála's further information request on the Dublin Array offshore wind farm proposed for the Kish and Bray Banks, to allow additional seasonal offshore bat surveys to be completed. The application was lodged in February 2025 and the original response deadline was 17 September 2026; RWE says it hopes to respond towards the end of 2026, and consideration of the application remains paused in the meantime.
Source: Afloat.ie (23 October 2026) (https://afloat.ie/marine-environment/power-from-the-sea/dublin-array-offshore-windfarm/item/73486-offshore-bat-surveys-extend-dublin-array-planning-timeline)
Cork County Council to pilot 'rightsizing' homes for older tenants
Cork County Council plans to build blocks of 10 or 11 one-bedroom homes in Cobh, with similar schemes earmarked for Youghal, Midleton and Macroom, so that tenants living alone in three- and four-bedroom council houses can move and free up the larger homes for families on the waiting list. The council's director of housing said the sites would be in town centres, on flat ground and close to services, but that the council is receiving no Department of Housing funding for the pilots; councillors agreed unanimously to write to the Ministers for Finance and Housing seeking national funding.
Source: Irish Examiner (23 October 2026) (https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41928101.html)
Clonea-Power wastewater treatment plant granted despite local objections
Permission has been granted for a constructed wetland wastewater treatment plant for Uisce Éireann at Clonea-Power, Co Waterford, with four wetland ponds, a new stormwater system and access roads on a greenfield site along the R678, replacing a plant the utility describes as no longer fit for use. Residents had objected over possible odours and because part of the village, including the local pub, will not be served, and local councillor Seanie Power asked the council to write to Uisce Éireann about the omission.
Source: Waterford News & Star (23 October 2026) (https://www.waterford-news.ie/news/controversial-irish-water-project-is-given-the-go-ahead_arid-20331886.html)
Permission to finish Moville estate almost 20 years on
Donegal County Council has granted Lemacrossan Investments Ltd permission to complete 13 houses at the Riverwood estate on the Malin Road outside Moville, part of a 35-home development first permitted in 2006, along with repairs to the estate's wastewater treatment system. The 20 conditions include a requirement that the homes be used as permanent residences rather than holiday homes or short-term lets, and that all supporting infrastructure be completed before any house is occupied.
Source: Donegal Live (23 October 2026) (https://www.ireland-live.ie/north-west/donegal-live/green-light-for-13-homes-at-donegal-estate-almost-20-years-after-plans-were-first-approved-9307380)
Glamping and campervan park refused at Cromane Strand
Kerry County Council has refused permission for a 1.38-hectare glamping and campervan park at Cromane Lower near Killorglin, which would have included six glamping pods, nine campervan pitches, a reception building and an events area. The planner found the scheme too large for its rural location and not beside an established settlement or tourism facility, and also cited harm to the protected coastal landscape, unresolved wastewater disposal and disturbance to neighbours, despite ten letters of support.
Source: Radio Kerry (23 October 2026) (https://www.radiokerry.ie/news/planning-permission-refused-for-glamping-and-campervan-park-on-cromane-strand-503994)
Four-apartment scheme in Newbridge refused on appeal
An Coimisiún Pleanála has refused permission for four apartments on the Naas Road in Newbridge, Co Kildare, proposed by Xhezaj Construction Limited. Kildare County Council had refused the application in December 2025, and the commission's decision on 23 October upholds that refusal following an appeal lodged later that month.
Source: Kildare Live (23 October 2026) (https://www.ireland-live.ie/midlands/kildare-live/plans-refused-for-eu805k-apartment-development-in-kildare-9305698)
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