Initial phase of pioneering Fivealley solar project completed

The first phase of the pioneering Solar Meitheal Project in the townland of Fivealley has been successfully completed.

Confirmed by Fivealley Sustainable Energy Community (SEC), BnM and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), Phase 1 of the project saw the installation of over 700 solar panels across participating households, supplied and fitted by Alternative Energy Ireland (AEI), a local contractor based in Tullamore.

Projected to save 75 tonnes of carbon emissions per year, the project represents a major milestone in community-led renewable energy in the Midlands, marking the largest solar meitheal initiative in Ireland. The installed solar systems are expected to produce approximately 270,000 kWh of renewable energy annually.

Supported by BnM’s Derrinlough Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund and the SEAI, the project has delivered solar PV systems to 57 households in the community of Fivealley. Together, the installations are expected to generate over €75,000 in annual energy savings for participating households, equating to an average of €1,300 per home. The project reflects the substantial commitment from the local community, who have committed an investment of €500,000 towards its development.

Community investment is a central pillar of BnM’s 5GW renewable energy pipeline and BnM has a long-standing commitment to investing in communities which host its renewable energy projects. Through dedicated Community Benefit Funds and near neighbour supports, the company invests over €1.4 million annually back into local communities, supporting scholarships for local students, near neighbour schemes, sustainability initiatives, and locally led community projects. The SEAI provided a funding grant of €2,100 per home which was match funded by BnM.

“The Fivealley Solar Meitheal is a powerful example of how BnM works hand-in-hand with communities to deliver tangible local benefits while also supporting Ireland’s renewable energy targets.

"The term Meitheal refers to the traditional Irish practice of neighbours coming together to support each other with big tasks. This project brings that spirit into the modern era, with neighbours coming together to source solar panels, secure cost efficiencies, and simplify installation through a coordinated, community-led process.

“We are proud to support initiatives that set the standard for Community Benefit Fund projects across the country, demonstrating a model that can be replicated nationwide," Karina Dennigan, Community Relations and Advocacy Manager at BnM, said.

“The Fivealley Solar Meitheal exemplifies the power of communities working together to make real progress on Ireland’s clean energy transition,”

“By collaborating under the SEAI Sustainable Energy Communities programme, projects like this not only lower energy costs and carbon emissions but also build local resilience and pride. SEAI is delighted to support such an inspiring initiative that demonstrates what can be achieved when communities take the lead," Laurence O’Reilly, SEAI Mentor, stated.

“This project shows what can happen when a community unites behind a shared vision for sustainability. Through the support of SEAI and BnM’s Derrinlough Community Benefit Fund, we’ve been able to empower local households to produce their own clean energy, cut costs, and contribute to a greener future for Offaly. It’s a proud moment for our community and a blueprint for others to follow," Anne Egan, Fivealley SEC Spokesperson, added.

The Derrinlough Wind Farm, with a capacity of 126MW, will play a key role in supporting Ireland’s climate action targets as a source of renewable energy generation.