No movement on solar farm in Offaly years after green light given

A big solar farm on the Laois Offaly border which was granted planning permission six years ago has yet to be built with the company behind the project seeking more time to complete the development.

Plans are set to be lodged to renew planning permission for a solar farm near Portarlington. Elgin Energy Services Ltd intends to apply for the renewal of permission for the development in the townlands of Shanderry and Kilmalogue.

The company says the development will consist of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels laid out in arrays on ground with inverter units and an ESB terminal substation. Security and fencing and 10 security CCTV cameras are planned.

The permission seeks a renewal of the planning approval granted previously for this solar farm proposal which said the site would cover 12.63 hectares beside the Galway to Dublin train line on the Offaly side of the border town.

In its latest planning application to Offaly County Council the company says it has sought "minor amendments" to the dimensions of the approved substation and an increase in the operational lifespan of the project from 35 to 40 years. 

Elgin Energy Services has previously been granted permission for solar farms in Laois, Offaly, Kilkenny and other counties for solar farms. Planning first began for the Portarlington solar farm on private land in 2016. Permission was granted in 2017.