New solar farm earmarked for Clara area

ENGIE Developments Ireland Limited have indicated their intention to apply to Offaly County Council for permission for development of a solar farm in Clara.

The proposed solar farm will comprise the construction and operation of solar PV arrays mounted on metal frames on an approximately 29.7 hectare site in the townland of Clara, close to the town, according to the planning notice.

This includes a single electrical control building, up to 8 inverter units, a temporary construction area and ancillary facilities, boundary security fence with CCTV units, an access track, all associated works inclusive of gross floor space of proposed works up to 213.6 sqm.

The application is accompanied by an environmental report and stage 1 screening for appropriate assessment.

ENGIE is listed as a global energy player and an expert operator in electicity, natural gas and energy services.

"Ireland is our priority for solar deveopment," ENGIE states on its website.

"We are the largest independent power prodcuer in the world and as well as other technologyies, have a total worlwide solar photocoltaic power portforlio capacity of over 1GW, operational, in construction and in development, across 15 countries, including the UK, France, Canada, 
Portugal, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Chile and the USA.

The group employs 153,090 people worldwide and achieved revenues of €66.6 billion in 2016.