Permission refused for Ballagh battery energy storage system

Plans to develop a battery storage system in Ballaghaderreen have been turned down by Roscommon County Council.

Grid System Services Ltd had sought a 10 year permission to develop an energy storage system, connecting to the nearby ESB Tonroe 110kV electricity substation on land at Ballyoughter, Ballaghaderreen

The proposals included the construction of an enclosed battery energy storage system within a site compound on a c.2.33 hectare site.

The proposed development had a projected life span of 35 years.

Local Independent councillor Micheal Frain has welcomed the council’s decision not to approve the plans.

“It’s a good concept but it is in the wrong location in an industrial estate. It was never going to work. I welcome that common sense has prevailed. It was a huge risk to the environment and life.

“A lot of the battery storage systems of late have exploded and there have been huge fires. I welcome the fact that it is has been refused. The project may be developed at another venue that is suitable, but not in a built up environment,” said Cllr Frain.