Three major solar farms planned

Another three major solar farms are in the offing for the county, it's been revealed this week, two in the Tullamore area, and one between Eglish and Kilcormac.

The trio of renewable energy companies involved look set set to lodge formal applications shortly after they revealed their proposals in planning notices recently.

A company called Harmony Solar Offaly Limited will seek approval to develop the largest of the three, a solar farm in three land parcels spanning a total of 450 acres, in the townlands of Dovehill, Gortamuck, Curraghmore and Freagh, some of which comes close to the main N52 road.

To be known as Kilcormac Solar Farm, it would be developed in two phases, the planning notice indicates, and would have a 40-year operation timespan.

Details on the site layout and location can be found on the www.kilcormacsolarfarm.ie website.

Meanwhile, Elgin Energy Services Ltd is reported to be seeking the green light to develop a solar farm and battery storage complex on a 206 acre site in Durrow.

It would be spread across the Gormagh and Culleen townlands, west of the main N52 Kilbeggan Road.

The third project is from Renewable Energy Systems (RES), who have signalled their intention to press forward with a planning application for a solar farm across 180 acres, near Tullamore.

It is earmarked for Ballyteige Little and Derrygrogan Big townlands, in the Ballycommon area.

According to the planning notice, the project would include a control building, inverter substations, solar PV mounted on support structures, security fencing, CCTV and other ancilliary infrastructure. The proposed solar farm would be operational for 35 years, although the planning permission being sought is for ten years.