23961
an energy storage facility to provide services to the national grid system on a 2.32ha site comprising: 1 No. sub-station building and associated transformers and grid compliance equipment, 18 No. battery storage containers, 18 No. combined power conversion system and transformer units, 18 No. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) units, 1 No. DNO (Distribution Network Operator) sub-station and interface kiosk, 1 No. spares container, access track from access road serving Athy Business Campus and Athy Industrial Estate, CCTV and lighting, perimeter screening earth berm, closed board and wire mesh fencing and ecologically beneficial landscaping, underground surface water storage tank, temporary construction compound, and associated ancillary site development works and services
Core Refusal Reason
The application failed to meet the statutory requirements for an Extension of Duration under Section 42 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as no development had commenced and no substantial works were carried out prior to the expiration of the parent permission.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- A site inspection conducted on December 7th, 2023, confirmed that no construction works were visible on the subject site.
- The applicant explicitly stated within the application documentation that works associated with the parent permission (Planning Ref. 18/1183) have not yet commenced.
- The Planning Authority is not satisfied that the development meets the mandatory criteria of Section 42(1)(a)(i) and (iii) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) regarding the commencement and substantial completion of works.