Planning refused for battery storage facility in Dundalk

Louth County Council has refused planning permission for a new battery storage facility at Mullagharlin in Dundalk.

Ion Renewables Limited applied to Louth County Council in September 2023 for planning permission for the construction of a stationary battery storage facility which includes 84, 20ft containers and 14 medium voltage transformers at Mullagharlin, Dundalk.

The proposed development included the construction of single storey substation building and bund to facilitate the transformer plant; along with a new internal access road to connect to the existing road network within the Xerox Technology Park lands; and associated site and development works.

A decision had been due last year on the development but was put on hold following a request from Louth County Council for further information in relation to the development. Significant further information was received by the local authority on 15 August which included a revised Natura Impact Statement.

Included in its reasons for refusing planning permission, Louth County Council said that "significant development works including the provision of a hardcore surface have been undertaken to provide for the roadway in proximity to a watercourse without the benefit of planning permission. The Planning Authority is therefore precluded from considering granting permission for the subject development in this instance."