Ardee councillors see value to local community of solar farms
Three mid-Louth councillors visited an existing solar farm in Moira, Co Antrim
Following a public consultation on a proposal to build an 80MWac solar installation on 300 acres in the townlands of Derrycammagh and Bawn, near Castlebellingham, a delegation of three Mid-Louth councillors visited an existing solar farm in Moira, County Antrim.
Councillors from the Ardee Municipal District, Cllr Pearse McGeough, Cllr John Sheridan and Cllr Dolores Minogue were given a tour of a 38 acre solar panel site, which has been running since March 2017.
Commenting to the Dundalk Democrat following the visit, Cllr McGeough said that “this is the way forward. We need to find alternative ways to generate power and to reduce our carbon emissions.”
He continued: “What I like about this solar farm idea is that it is installed on poor arable land so it is of no loss to a farmer and with the panels set above the ground to allow for sheep to graze and take shelter, a farmer can maintain his grazing land.
“This company, Lightsource, has designed this with the environment in mind. As well as generating clean energy, the farm is a haven for wildlife and biodiversity.
“Species rich grass is sown throughout the site, wildflowers along the wide perimeter boundaries and hedges planted in areas of low coverage so the solar panels will not be seen from the road, all to encourage wildlife and biodiversity.”
The Sinn Féin councillor added, “there are no contaminates on the solar panels themselves so when it rains, it will be just the rain that will wash onto the ground.”
Cllr McGeough concluded, “It is imperative that when a proposal such as this and on this scale is coming to our county that we take notice and ensure that the community gets as much information as possible and have their say.
“Lightsource held a public consultation at Darver last September and it was attended throughout the day by many in the community who were able to ask questions and talk to those involved in it. In addition, this visit to their solar farm in Moira has been invaluable.”