Grid connection to Clara substation sought by energy company

A planning application has been submitted to Offaly County Council for the proposed development of a grid connection from Ballyboughlin Solar Farm to the existing Clara 38kV Substation.

Global energy business Engie Developments Ireland Limited is proposing the development on a site located approximately one kilometre north of the town of Clara, in the townlands of Lehinch, Kilcoursey, Kilbride, Aghamore, Raheen and Clara.

The proposed development will include the laying of a 38kV underground electrical grid connection cable, approximately 4.5km in length, using public roads, and the construction of an overhead electrical grid connection cable, approximately 0.898km in length, from Ballyboughlin Solar Farm to the existing Clara 38kV Substation.

Spanning a total length of 5.3km, the proposed development starts from the northwest edge of Clara townland at Ballyboughlin Solar Park.

It then continues parallel to the R420 crossing two local access roads, L-2017 and L-6046, at Aghamore before continuing north of the R420 in Kilbride, running south through Kilcoursey and reaching its end point at the ESB Clara 38kV Substation.

Citing the need for the proposed development, Engie Developments Ireland Limited stated that "this connection is essential for delivering renewable electricity from the solar farm to the grid, supporting Government and EU targets for clean energy, addressing rising electricity demand, reducing emissions, and improving Ireland’s energy security".

The planning application was received by Offaly County Council on December 22 with a date yet to be confirmed by the local authority on a decision for the proposed development.