High voltage wind farm grid link planned beneath Kildare road
Photo for illustrative purposes only
A MAJOR wind farm development been lodged directly to An Coimisiún Pleanála, which involves the connection of underground high-voltage cabling underneath a local road in Kildare townlands bordering Monasterevin, including Aughrim and Derrylea.
Dara Energy Limited submitted the application on 5 February 2026, with a decision due from the Commission by February 3, 2027.
The proposed renewable energy project primarily spans parts of Offaly and Laois but includes grid connection works in the Kildare townlands of Aughrim and Derrylea.
The application was made directly to An Coimisiún Pleanála under Section 37E of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), following pre-application consultations. The Commission confirmed in September 2025 that the project qualifies as a Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID).
The overall development comprises a nine-turbine wind farm and associated infrastructure. While the turbines themselves are not located in Kildare, part of the proposed 110kV underground grid connection would traverse lands in Aughrim and Derrylea before linking to the Bracklone substation in Laois.
The grid connection element includes underground high-voltage cabling along 9.1 Km of existing public road, including sections of the Derrylea Road (L70481) and other regional and local roads, with works such as trenching, ducting installation, joint bays, watercourse crossings, and full reinstatement of roads.
In total, the wider project is seeking a 10-year planning permission and a 35-year operational life from the date of commissioning.
The project falls under the Renewable Energy Directive III and is subject to a statutory completeness check process for renewable energy developments.
The full application is available for public inspection at the offices of An Coimisiún Pleanála and at Kildare County Council, Áras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas, during normal opening hours for a seven-week period from February 12, 2026. Documents can also be viewed online at a dedicated project website.
Members of the public have until 5.30pm on April 2, 2026, to make submissions or observations directly to An Coimisiún Pleanála.
