Further information received in relation to Longford solar farms

Further information has been sought and received in relation to two county Longford solar farms in recent weeks and months.

Foigha Solar Farm Ltd, a subsidiary of BayWa r.e. Ireland, lodged a planning application last December to develop a solar farm on a 130-hectare site in the townlands of Cornacarta, Doonacurry, Foygh, Kilcommock Glebe, Ledwithstown and Tirlickeen.

Further information was sought in relation to the proposed development last February and that information was received on July 25 last.

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Residents have raised concerns in relation to this application in relation to visual impact fears, glare and noise, potential biodiversity loss and poor public consultation.

It was previously estimated residents in up to 100 houses may be impacted.

The ESB started construction of Middleton House Solar Farm, late last year which is approximately 2.4km south of the village of Cloondara and 2.5km north west of the village of Killashee in the townlands of Middleton, Ballycore, Treanboy, Ballynakill, and Bunacloy.

The project has received full planning permission to generate 56.6MW of clean electricity that will have enough capacity to power over 15,000 homes.

The project was also successful within the RESS 2 (Renewable Electricity Support Scheme) auction in June 2022.

A new 5.7km cable route will connect the solar farm to a new transformer compound at the former Lough Ree Power Site and from there to the electricity grid at Lanesboro 110kV substation.

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Further information was sought by Longford County Council on February 12 last and received on June 12 last.