Global renewable energy developer BNRG is in discussions with Longford County Council on a large solar energy farm on a site near Lanesborough.
The project, known as Carrowroe Solar Farm, has the potential to generate enough energy to meet the needs of about 18,400 households and save almost 28,000 tonnes of carbon from being emitted each year, the developer says.
It would be built on a 98-hectare (242-acre) site bordering the Shannon.
Once operational, the land would remain suitable for some types of farming, particularly sheep grazing.
RM Block
Carrowroe, which would be less than a kilometre south of Lanesborough, is the second large-scale solar farm planned for the area following the ESB’s Middleton House Solar Farm.
Middleton House Solar Farm is already under construction on a 85.92-hectare site about 6km north of the village.
The ESB said it could generate enough energy to power more than 15,000 homes.
Lanesborough has emerged as an attractive base for renewable energy projects because of its proximity to a former power station, which has an existing grid connection for electricity transmission.
The flat peatland terrain and regional “Just Transition” programmes supporting green energy replacements for peat harvesting also offer incentives to green energy developers.
BNRG is developing the Carrowroe project in partnership with Plan Energy Developments, an independent team of renewable energy experts
A public consultation programme took place in July and discussions are continuing with Longford County Council. The developers have also developed a project website at www.bnrgcarrowroe.com.
The website says the project would avoid seasonal flooding, use natural planting as screening and employ low-lying panels positioned to limit visual impact. The developers estimate, with planning permission, the construction could begin in 2028, with the project operational by 2029.
The backers say the project would establish a community benefit fund, with an estimated value of €2.45 million over the project’s lifetime.
This year Longford County Council approved plans by BNRG Ballymahon Ltd for a solar farm on a site across the townlands of Tirlickeen, Cartronbrack, Clogh, Corryena and Lismacmorrough, near Ballymahon.
However, the planning permission has been appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála. The appeal cites traffic management and visual and residential amenity impacts as well as reflected glare, environmental and archaeological issues.
