Solar farm proposed for Rath

Photo: Stock picture of a solar farm.

Another massive solar farm has been signalled for Offaly, this time in Drumcullen parish stretching to over 45 hectares.

Summit Solar will shortly lodge a planning application seeking approval for 105,000 photovoltaic panels as part of a 45MW project in the townlands of Rathmount, Mullanafawnia, and Russellspenn spanning the Rath and Killyon areas of south Offaly, according to a new planning notice.

In addition, a 38kV substation would be built, along with a transformer unit, and 16 Power Hubs incorporating an inverter and transformer.

A single-storey communications building, equipment storage building, a kiosk, and ten CCTV cameras mounted on four-metre high poles are also earmarked for the site.

A Natura Impact Statement will accompany the planning application which is expected to be officially submitted in the coming days.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee (€20) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.