Solar Energy
MKO has managed and delivered several large-scale ground-mounted solar farm planning applications across the country
The Irish solar energy sector has matured considerably in recent years, with a significant volume of ground-mounted projects now through the planning process and moving into construction and operation. The first revision of the National Planning Framework, published in April 2025, sets out a requirement for 7,555 MW of new solar generation capacity to achieve State targets, a figure that places the planning and environmental profession at the very centre of Ireland’s energy transition. Translating that target into consented, shovel-ready projects will be one of the defining challenges of the coming decade.
As the sector consolidates ahead of future RESS auction rounds, the focus for developers has shifted from simply securing permissions to delivering projects efficiently and competitively. With grid connection costs, EPC requirements and auction timelines all placing pressure on margins, the ability to manage a solar project from early-stage appraisal through to build-out has never been more important. Emerging regulatory and legislative changes have also resulted in additional complexity and challenges for developers.
MKO provides an end-to-end service for solar developers, combining our established planning and environmental expertise with a dedicated project management service. From the earliest stages of project definition and feasibility, our project management team works alongside our planning and environmental specialists to ensure that the right decisions are made at the outset maximising design flexibility, minimising avoidable costs, and future-proofing permissions against evolving grid connection requirements and EPC contractor needs.
A single objection, appeal or judicial review can still introduce costly delays with knock-on consequences for RESS eligibility and grid queue positions. Against the backdrop of a national target of this scale, the pressure on developers to protect programme and avoid re-entering the planning process is greater than ever. Our integrated approach, brings planning, environmental, and project management expertise under one roof, and is designed to reduce that risk and give solar projects the strongest possible platform for successful delivery.
Case Study
Selected projects
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Ballinrea and Ballinvuskig Solar Farms and 110kV Substation
MKO supported Ørsted in securing planning permission for complex enabling infrastructure projects across Co. Cork and Cork City. The works included a 110 kV tail‑fed substation, c.7 km underground grid connection to the Raffeen 220 kV station, and an underground interconnector linking the Ballinrea and Ballinvuskig Solar Farms.
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Kilderry Solar Farm
MKO secured planning permission for BayWa r.e. Ireland’s Kilderry Solar Farm in Co. Kilkenny, a 45‑hectare renewable energy development approved in October 2024. The project will deliver up to 37 MW AC of clean electricity, supporting sustainable power generation and strengthening Ireland’s national energy security.
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Taduff Solar Park
MKO secured planning permission for a 60ha extension to a permitted solar farm project at Taduff, Drum and Curraghaleen, Co. Roscommon. The solar farm extension will have a maximum export capacity of c. 50 MW, bringing the total solar farm maximum export capacity to c. 80MW.
Our Clients
Clients we’re fortunate to work with
