Plans have been lodged for an amended underground electricity cable route connecting a permitted solar farm outside Dundalk with the town’s 110kV ESB substation.
Harmony Solar Louth Limited is seeking permission from Louth County Council for changes to a previously approved cable route running through the townlands of Kilcurly, Thomastown, Donaghmore, Mounthamilton, Lisnawully and Farrandreg.
The proposed development would involve laying underground 38kV electrical cables and associated ducting along the R178 and An Bothair Dara public roads for a distance of approximately 4.09km.
Five joint bays, associated communication chambers and other ancillary works are also included in the application.
A further approximately 560 metres of cabling would be laid on private lands associated with the permitted Kilcurly Solar Farm.
The cable is intended to connect the permitted 38kV substation at Kilcurly Solar Farm with the existing Dundalk 110kV ESB substation at Farrandreg.
The solar farm and its associated substation were granted permission by An Bord Pleanála in November 2021, following a provisional grant of planning permission from Louth County Council.
Harmony Solar Louth Limited is seeking permission for the amended cable development for a period of ten years.
A Natura Impact Statement will also be submitted to Louth County Council as part of the planning application.