Proposed new county Longford solar farm will have capacity to supply about 19,000 homes

There has been a positive reaction from local people who attended a recent public consultation on a proposed new county Longford solar farm with the capacity to supply about 19,000 homes.

Foigha Solar Farm Limited, a subsidiary of BayWa r.e. Ireland is exploring the opportunities to develop a solar farm on a 130-hectare site in the townlands of Cornacarta, Doonacurry, Foygh, Kilcommock Glebe, Ledwithstown and Tirlickeen.

The solar farm, if constructed, will have all underground cabling with an energy storage system and solar panels with a typical height of 2.44 metres.

The development will include a substation and underground cable connection to the existing Lanesboro-Mullingar overhead line.

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The company said the annual 15-year community benefit fund of €175,000 will 'provide dependable long-term funding to individuals and groups in the local community'.

Olive McKeogh of Kenagh Tidy Towns said she believes the project is positive and the company have communicated effectively with the local community.

"I would have a very positive reaction to the public consultation based on what we were told,” she added.

Olive believes it will have a less invasive impact on the environment than other forms of renewable energy in terms of the ecological impact and on animals.”

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Ms McKeogh stated she would have only have very positive things to say.

"It was very open and transparent," she said. "We are also going to be getting some much-needed community funding in future, which needs to be part of any large-scale project."

Ms McKeogh said it is important the environment and wildlife are being carefully considered, "I grew up here and I would pick a solar farm over a wind farm any day in this area," she said. "The landscape here is much more suited to a solar farm."

Meanwhile, David Mulvihill, who owns the local Mulvihill Firearms business, stated his brother Bernard owns a portion of land that is being purchased by the company.

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"I'm positive about it regardless of the fact that my brother is involved," he said. "We can't rely on fossil fuels and this is a good alternative."

Mr Mulvihill believes the community fund is very positive.

"I am all for it, I don't think it is going to be an eyesore," he said. "I think it's going to blend in with all of the hedges they are planning to grow and I think it will blend into the countryside over time."

The company has stated the project "will contribute to Ireland's renewable energy targets and there is the potential for job creation.

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Fianna Fáil Cllr Pat O'Toole said it was very informative and there was a very good presentation.

The company said the project will be a 40 year development, after which the farm will be decommissioned.

Alison Murphy, Community Liaison Officer, BayWa r.e. Ireland Ltd. said: “The project team were delighted to have a strong turnout from members of the local community throughout the course of the evening.

"There was particular interest in the community benefit fund and local authority rates that would be associated with the solar farm should it be successful in planning.

"These benefits will provide valuable support for local groups, initiatives, and essential services, reinforcing the positive impact this project can have on the surrounding community.

"As with most projects of this nature, some members of the local community had questions regarding the visual impact, noise, and traffic and transport associated with the proposed solar farm.

"We did our best to address any concerns raised by residents and provided a number of photomontages and maps for attendees to view on the night.

"These matters will be addressed in detail and available to view in the planning application which will be submitted to Longford County Council.”