New Offaly solar farm plan

A solar farm has been mooted for a 60-hectare site outside Tullamore.

Renewable Energy Systems (RES) Ltd recently submitted plans to Offaly County Council for the venture in a “relatively rural setting,” approximately 4.8 km west of Tullamore and 3.9 km northwest of Ballinagar.

The company, registered in the UK, is seeking planning permission to construct and complete what's described as a Solar PV Energy development in the townlands of Ballyteige Little, Ballyteige Big and Colehill, close to Ballycommon.

The Grand Canal runs in a general east to west direction circa 150 metres to the south of the development at its closest point, according to the planning documents.

To be known as Ballyteige Solar Farm, the project is earmarked to stretch across sixteen fields of primarily pastureland.

It will consist of the construction of PV panels mounted on metal frames, new access tracks, underground cabling, perimeter fencing with 81 CCTV cameras and access gates.

The solar panels, which will not exceed three metres in height, will have a non-reflective surface that removes any unwanted reflection or glare, according to the planning documents submitted in support of the application, and there will be 11 invertors/transformer units to “convert the Direct Current (DC) into an Alternating Current (AC) which is compatible with the national grid”.

An environmental report among the plethora of documents lodged concludes it will have “no notable negative effects on the landscape, characteristics and ecological resources at any stage of development (construction, operation, and decommissioning)”.

On the contrary, the company contends that the landscape and ecology mitigation measures will have beneficial effects in the form of improved grassland, wildflowers, new hedgerow and tree planting as well as habitat creation, all of which the developers say will “help strengthen the rural character and biodiversity”.

In addition, the backers believe planting will further assimilate the development into the local landscape.

Access is from Kilbeggan Road to the east of the site.

A decision is expected from Offaly County Council by April 27 next.