Anger in south Longford as massive solar farm receives green light

There has been widespread condemnation and “absolute devastation” over Longford County Council’s decision to grant planning permission for the development of a highly controversial solar farm and energy storage compound in Foigha.

The application was submitted by Foigha Solar Farm Limited, a subsidiary of BayWa r.e.

The Foigha Solar Farm Concern group, who were strongly opposed to the application and had submitted an objection claiming the construction process would pose serious health and safety risks for residents and tourists said they’re ‘absolutely devastated with the decision’.

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The group stated, “We’re absolutely devastated. We feel Longford County Council did not listen to the views of the 100+ submissions that went in from affected local residents.”

When Baywa r.e. was asked by the Longford Leader for a comment on the community’s "absolute devastation" caused by the news that the development had been given the green light, Alison Murphy, Community Liaison Officer of BayWa r.e. Ireland said, "BayWa r.e. Ireland welcomes Longford County Council's decision to approve Foigha Solar Farm after a comprehensive review that carefully considered all submissions and followed Ireland's robust planning framework.”

Ms Murphy added, “We understand that some members of the community have concerns, and we are committed to continuing engagement and communications as the project moves forward. Our goal is to carefully design and deliver renewable energy that provides lasting environmental and economic benefits both locally and nationally."

Spanning a total of 130 hectares, the proposed development will consist of 661,500 sq.m of solar photovoltaic panels on ground mounted frames, 42 single storey electrical transformer stations, an energy storage compound consisting of 38 containerised energy storage modules as well as associated plant and equipment, 10 transformers, 2 auxiliary transformers, 1 medium voltage control/switching substation and 1 spare parts container.

The proposed development will also include underground electrical ducting and cabling within the development site, as well as a crossing of the Royal Canal “either by open trench or horizontal directional drill, temporary construction compounds, CCTV, security fencing, and access tracks, including a clear span bridge over Donacurry River.” As stated in the planning application, “the operational lifespan of the solar farm will be 40 years and planning permission is requested for this duration.”

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Longford TD Micheál Carrigy also expressed his disappointment with the council’s decision to give the development the go-ahead. “It’s going to have a serious impact on a large number of people that have been living in the rural community for generations.

“I feel more consideration should have been given and more information on areas around archeology, traffic, etc, should have been supplied. We have to be cognizant of our rural community and solar farms in my opinion shouldn’t be impacting local regions on tourism potential particularly in relation to the Royal Canal, which is a significant development not just locally but nationally. More rural locations that don’t affect people in local communities should be identified as locations for solar panels.”

Local resident Damien Mulvihill is angry about the decision. "Over 100 residents will be affected by this and we don't feel we got any proper consideration from Longford County Council. We feel extremely let down and we made a good case against not having this in the area.”