Kilathmoy Substation, Athea Upper, Athea Co. Limerick
Proposed development
Notice for Renewable Energy Directive III (RED III) Development - 10 year Permission for development of a Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) facility at this site within the townland of Athea Upper, Athea, Co. Limerick. The development will consist of: (a) removal of selected items of existing grid support equipment and plant at the Kilathmoy wind farm substation (2 no battery containers and associated inverters, transformers and HVAC units, diesel generator and associated diesel tank, pre-fabricated electrical containers, sections of compound security fencing), and (b) construction of a Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) facility containing a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) compound consisting of BESS units, (approximately 5m in height) with associated HVAC units, transformers, inverters; underground cabling; 1 no pre-fabricated communications and control container; lighting, CCTV, lightning masts; diesel generator and associated diesel tank; water storage tanks (approximately 3.6m in height); store containers; securing fencing, internal access track and access gates and all associated ancillary works including drainage, earthworks and retaining structures necessary to facilitate the development The application will replace the previously consented (but unbuilt) BESS facility granted under planning ref (21/1702). A 10 year permission is being sought in respect of the development. A Natura Impact Statement has been prepared as part of the application. This development is covered by the provisions of the Renewable Energy Directive III (Directive (EU) 2023/2413) and it is important to note that the planning application may be subject to section 34D of the Planning and Development Act, as amended. When a notice issues in accordance with section 34D(b), the provisions of article 26A of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 to 2025 shall apply.
- Applicant
- Not published
- Authority
- Limerick City and County Council
- Decision due
- 23 Jul 2026
Timeline
Application received
27 Feb 2026
Council asked for further information
2 Jun 2026
Further information received. If the council treats it as significant, a new submission period opens (check the council's file)
26 Jun 2026
Decision due
23 Jul 2026
Decision: conditional
23 Jul 2026
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Planning history within 750 m
the construction of a 2 bedroom single storey dwelling, proprietary wastewater treatment system, entrance and all ancillary services
an extension of the existing battery energy storage system (BESS) at Kilathmoy Wind Farm substation. The proposed development will consist of the following components; Lithium-ion battery containers including ancillary HVAC equipment; Power Conversion System (PCS)/Inverter units; Transformer units; Connection to the existing on site Grid Transformer, Prefabricated equipment container (switchgear and controls), back up generator, auxiliary transformer, underground cabling and associated infrastructure including compound lighting, security fencing and CCTV system, all as detailed on the planning application drawings. A Natura Impact Statement(NIS) has been completed and submitted with this application
a 10 year planning permission for the laying of 4.85km of underground electrical cables, associated ducting, associated cable draw pits, associated electrical infrastructure, and excavation/trenching works. The underground electrical cable route is primarily on public road with sections on other road and through pastureland. Details of the underground cables and extent of the works are shown on the planning application drawings. The proposed underground electricity cable will connect the permitted Beennanaspuck Wind Farm (Kerry County Council Planning Ref. 14/571; An Bord Pleanala Planning Ref. PL08.245464) and permitted Toberatooreen Wind Farm (Kerry County Council Planning Ref. 12/431 and 14/854; An Bord Pleanala Planning Ref. PL08/242170), which are located in County Kerry, to the National Electricity Grid via the Athea substation in County Limerick (Limerick City and County Council Planning Ref. 17/1228). The provision of a new substation compound with a single storey substation building and associated services. The planning application is accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) and Natura Impact Statement (NIS)
a 10 year planning permission for the laying of 4.4 km of underground electrical cables, associated ducting, associated cable draw pits, electrical cabinets, excavation/trenching works, provision of a new substation compound with a single storey substation building and associated services. The underground electrical cable route is primarily on public road with a section on other road. Details of the underground cables and extent of the works are shown on the planning application drawings. The proposed underground electricity cable will connect the permitted Beennanaspuck Wind Farm (Kerry County Council Planning Ref. 14/571; An Bord Pleanala Ref. PL08.245464) and permitted Toberatooreen Wind Farm (Kerry County Council Planning Ref. 12/431 and 14/854; An Bord Pleanala Planning Ref. PL08.242170), which are located in County Kerry, to the National Electricity Grid via the Athea substation in County Limerick
to construct a storey and a half style dwelling house, detached domestic garage, front boundary entrance walls, installation of a mechanical aeration unit and soil/polishing filter system with all associated site works