Longford residents express fear of solar farm causing harm to local biodiversity

Local residents voiced concerns over visual impact fears, potential biodiversity loss and 'poor' public consultation in relation to a proposed new county Longford solar farm during a recent public meeting.

Foigha Solar Farm Limited, a subsidiary of BayWa r.e. Ireland has submitted a planning application to develop a solar farm on a 130-hectare site in the townlands of Cornacarta, Doonacurry, Foygh, Kilcommock Glebe, Ledwithstown and Tirlickeen, Kenagh and Ballymahon.

The recently established Foigha Solar Concern Group, said the public meeting in Kenagh last Saturday was attended by more than 70 people and they were 'heartened' to see so many public representatives.

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Lorraine Rowan, Damien Mulvihill, Denise Moran, Maresa Rowan, Kieran Ledwith, John Rowan, Damien McHugh, Alan Rowan, Paul Harte and Patrick Murtagh were some of the Foigha Solar Concern Group present.

Fine Gael Deputy Micheál Carrigy and Pat O'Rourke, a political and agricultural advisor to MEP Ciaran Mullooly, were in attendance along with Independent councillor Mark Casey, Fianna Fáil Cllr Mick Cahill and his party collegaue Fianna Fáil Sean Mimnagh.

The Foigha Solar Concern Group outlined in a letter that "over 300 acres of agricultural land is being sacrificed to solar panels" which are in "very close proximity to residential homes".

They stated other concerns include the 'glare' from the solar panels, the 'noise', the 'sheer size' of the development and the dispersed location of lands.

"The proximity to the Royal Canal and the obvious effect on tourism in the area [is a concern]," a Foigha Solar Group spokesperson said. "Millions have already been pumped into developing the Royal Canal and associated tourism."

Foigha Solar Farm will have the capacity to supply about 19,000 homes.

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The proposed project will have all underground cabling with an energy storage system and solar panels with a typical height of 2.44 metres.

The Foigha Solar Concern Group has claimed "plans to develop the 'Famine Way' and Corlea Centre as a tourist destination are all 'at risk' due the proposed development.

The group said Ambassador of Ireland to Canada, Eamonn McKee and others walked the scenic route from Tirlickeen to Foigha Bridge last May as part of the National Famine Way Commemorative Walk.

However, residents are concerned an abundance of solar panels will dominate the views if the proposed project is approved.
Another concern listed is "the very real loss” of biodiversity around the Royal Canal.

Concerns about the future of young people in 'an area covered in solar panels' was also raised along with 'biodiversity' loss fears.

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"The group would like to highlight the biodiversity issue. A local person with deep knowledge of nature spoke at length about the potential loss of wildlife to our area," the spokesperson added.

The residents stated they are in very close proximity to the Lough Ree special area of conservation.

The local concern group said endangered species such as the barn owl, kestrel, meadow pipit, grey wagtail, lapwing, curlew and snipe are all on the “Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland 2020-2026 Red-list (high conservation concern), and are all recorded as breeding within the 5km square where the project will be located.

"As a group we recognise the need for Ireland as a country to develop renewable energy but that does not override environmental concerns and indeed the concerns of citizens," the Foigha Solar Concern Group said. "This is the wrong project in the wrong place."

Concerns about traffic during the construction phase on “narrow roads and the ability of Foigha Bridge to hold very heavy lorries passing to the site," were raised along with “noise and disruption” concerns.

The group claimed public consultation on this project was very poor.

"While there were leaflets dropped to some houses, many people received nothing and the people of Ballymahon who are equally as affected appear not to have been consulted at all," they added.

Alison Murphy, a Community Liaison Officer with BayWa r.e. Ireland Ltd said the proposed Foigha Solar Farm will provide clean, renewable energy while preserving the potential for agricultural use.

“It prioritises biodiversity and aims to deliver tangible benefits to the local community. Comprehensive independent studies submitted to Longford County Council as part of the application confirm minimal visual, noise, glare, and traffic disruption, along with robust protections for local ecology and biodiversity, the Royal Canal, and heritage sites such as the Corlea Trackway.”

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BayWa r.e. Ireland Ltd said Foigha Solar Farm will generate long-term economic and environmental benefits, including an annual 15-year community benefit fund of €175,000.

BayWa r.e. Ireland Ltd said community engagement was takern very seriously and have made 'significant' efforts to reach out to local residents.

“Information leaflets were distributed to households within 1km of the site, local public representatives were contacted, an event advert placed in the Leader, and information was made widely available through a dedicated project website and public information event held locally,” the spokeswoman Ms Murphy said. "Additionally, we provided opportunities for feedback and facilitated individual meeting and callback requests for those seeking further information."

BayWa r.e. Ireland Ltd said for those who may have missed the public information event or would like further information, the project team remains available to answer questions and address queries. These can be directed to the project email address: foighasolarfarm@baywa-re.ie.”