Plans for new solar farm near Tullamore
By Rebekah O'Reilly
Plans have been lodged for a new large-scale solar farm development on lands outside Tullamore.
The application, submitted by Ballyteige Solar Limited on Thursday, April 23, relates to the proposed Derrygrogan Little Solar Farm, which would extend across a site of approximately 28.1 hectares.
Permission is being sought for a ten-year period to construct and complete the project. The plans outline the construction and operation of a solar photovoltaic (PV) facility, including solar panel arrays mounted on metal support structures, or on concrete foundations where required for archaeological mitigation.
The proposed development also includes seven low voltage/medium voltage (LV/MV) transformer stations with associated hardstanding areas, an internal access track with two perimeter gates, and 47 CCTV camera units. Site access is to be provided via Derrygrogan Little Road.
Additional elements of the proposal comprise security fencing with timber posts and deer mesh, underground cabling works including trenching and backfilling, as well as landscaping and ecological enhancement measures.
The solar farm is intended to operate for a period of 40 years and would be located within the townlands of Derrygrogan Little and Derrygrogan Big, approximately 8km northeast of Tullamore.
Surrounding land uses are predominantly agricultural, alongside dispersed rural housing. According to the planning documentation, the development will facilitate continued agricultural activity alongside energy generation.
Highlighting the need for such a development, the applicant noted that net imports of electricity across interconnectors were the third largest source of electricity supply in 2024.
“Regarding trends in renewable energy supply, renewable energy supplied 14.6% of Ireland's energy requirements, which is up slightly from 14.0% in 2023. In 2024, solar power made a greater contribution to electricity generation, with output from solar PV increasing by 69% compared to the previous year.
“The European Climate Law sets a legally binding target for the EU and its member states, including Ireland, to achieve net zero greenhouse emissions by 2050.”
The planning statement further added that “The National Mitigation Plan 2017 sets out that the deployment of solar PV in Ireland has the potential to contribute to our renewable energy targets. This is supported by ESB, which reported that at the peak of summer 2025, solar supplied over 21% of national electricity demand, demonstrating its potential and capacity to assist with achieving Ireland’s renewable energy targets.”
A decision on the application is due from Offaly County Council by June 17.