Major 148-hectare solar farm proposed near Cloghan
By Rebekah O'Reilly
Plans have been submitted for a 148-hectare solar farm on an existing wind farm site at Stonestown near Cloghan
The application was lodged on Friday, May 1, by GP Joule Ireland Limited.
The site is located approximately 1.7km south of Cloghan and 8.2km from Banagher, spanning the townlands of Stonestown, Kilcamin, Crancreagh and Derrinlough.
The project would form a co-located hybrid renewable energy facility, integrating a solar photovoltaic (PV) array within the footprint of the existing wind farm.
Planning permission is being sought for a 10-year period, with an operational lifespan of 40 years from the date of commissioning.
The development would consist of a solar PV farm and cable route, including the installation of up to 145MW of solar capacity across approximately 148 hectares, along with 41 transformers and one Ring Main Unit (RMU).
The panels would have a maximum height of 3.5 metres and would be tilted at an angle of 18 degrees facing south. They would remain in a fixed position and would not track the movement of the sun.
The project would use one existing construction entrance and two operational entrances, as well as existing internal access tracks. Approximately 7km of new internal tracks would also be constructed.
A website set up for the Stonestown Solar Farm states that the panel rows are not expected to be visible beyond the site boundaries.
“Hedgerows will be planted along the boundary adjacent to the N62 national road to virtually eliminate visibility,” it states.
“Several large areas will be kept free of panels due to potential archaeological remains, invasive plant species and existing wildlife habitats.”
Recognising the importance of community involvement, the applicant said it carried out extensive engagement with local residents and stakeholders.
A public consultation pack was distributed to 51 households in the vicinity of the site, allowing residents to review materials at their own pace.
Each pack included a summary brochure, key visualisations, environmental information and contact details for the liaison team. A feedback form and digital contact options (including email) were also provided.
Feedback focused on visual impact, noise management and construction traffic, which were reviewed and incorporated where possible.
A decision on the application is due by Thursday, June 25.