Developer aims to have €50m Tipperary solar farm project operational by 2027

A €50m solar farm granted planning approval for a site of approximately 170.5 acres near Clonmel, is expected to become operational in 2027, according to its developer.

Renewable energy company BayWa r.e has welcomed An Bord Pleanála’s decision to confirm the planning approval granted by Tipperary County Council for the Springmount Solar Farm.

The 60MW solar farm will be located around 7km west of Clonmel and 3.4km from Clerihan on approximately 69 hectares of land north of the N24 in the townlands of Jamestown, Kilmolash Upper and Rathkeevin.
BayWa r.e said the solar farm will provide enough clean, renewable energy to supply up to 12,000 homes when it becomes operational.

The company said it was planning to commence construction of the solar farm in 2026.

“It’s expected the construction phase will take 11 months, with the project becoming operational in 2027,” said a BayWa r.e spokesperson.

The company said the construction of Springmount Solar Farm will require an investment of more than €50 million along with ongoing operation and maintenance costs once it becomes operational.

This is BayW r.e’s first solar farm project in the Republic of Ireland to achieve planning consent. The company owns and operates Northern Ireland’s largest solar farm – the Bann Road Solar Farm in county Antrim. It is operating since 2017.

Tipperary County Council granted conditional 10-year planning approval to Springmount Solar Farms Ltd. for the circa 60MW solar PV farm on April 12. The decision was appealed to An Bord Pleanála by a local resident on May 8.

The visual impact of the solar farm, concerns about soil erosion and degradation, the impact of the project on the local ecosystem, biodiversity and wildlife were among the grounds of appeal cited. Concerns about the solar farm’s possible impact on groundwater and springs if solar panels are damaged or if there is run off from cleaning chemicals were also raised by the appellant.

An Bord Pleanála issued its decision to confirm planning permission for the project with revised conditions on August 21.

An Bord Pleanála decided that subject to the compliance of the conditions it set out, the development would not have an unacceptable impact on the heritage, landscape or local amenities of the area nor would it have an undue impact on surrounding land uses.

The board also concluded the solar farm would not lead to an increased risk of flooding within the site or adjoining lands.

It also found the development was acceptable in terms of public safety, traffic, convenience and ecology.

The appeals board also said the development would make a “positive contribution” to Ireland’s renewable energy requirements.

The 60MW solar PV farm will consist of solar arrays on ground mounted steel frames with a maximum overall height of 2.6m, internal underground electrical cabling and ducting and up to 20 transformers.

It will also include two temporary construction compounds, security fencing and cameras, two new gates site entrances from the R687, drainage and landscaping.

James Redmond, Head of Development for BayWa r.e. Ireland, welcomed the planning approval granted for the Spingmount Solar Farm

“Delivery of this project will not only boost Ireland’s energy security and provide cheaper and cleaner electricity for consumers; it will also be crucial to achieving Ireland’s net zero ambition,” he said.

He said the company looked forward to working with the local community to deliver a substantial Community Benefit Fund.

This fund will be made available annually to individuals and groups surrounding the solar farm.

“The Community Benefit Fund will be established when the solar farm enters commercial operation and will support local community groups and initiatives such as the energy upgrade (retrofit) of homes, restoration work for local buildings and sports ground refurbishments,” he explained

Declan Cullinane, Country Manager at BayWa r.e. Ireland, said he welcomed the opportunity to progress  the solar farm into the next exciting phase of its development.

“The project has the potential to make a significant and long-lasting impact on the local economy in county Tipperary; through a contribution to annual local authority rates and opportunities for local business in the supply chain.”

He said the company supports the Government’s 2030 targets of installing eight GW of  solar power, which will be necessary to achieve net zero by 2050, as well as the Tipperary County Development Plan 2022, which outlines objectives to promote and facilitate renewable energy development.

“Springmount will now apply for a grid connection, and expects to receive an offer in 2025, allowing construction to start in 2026, with commissioning projected for 2027,” he continued.

Mr Cullinane stressed that BayWa r.e. Ireland understands the importance of community engagement and intends to keep the local community informed throughout all phases of the project.

He added that more information can be found on the project’s information page at www.baywa-re.ie/springmount