Longford group opposed to Solar Farm submitted their concerns about the proposed development

Hundreds of local residents have put their names to a submission raising concerns in relation to a proposed solar farm on a 130-hectare site in county Longford.

The applicant Foigha Solar Farm Ltd lodged the planning application with the local authority on December 20 last and submissions were accepted up until last Saturday, February 1.

The local authority received 86 individual submissions and a large submission from the Foigha Solar Farm Concern Group with approximately 350 signatures.

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The majority of the submissions were from civilians with one the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Foigha Solar Farm Ltd sought permission for a '10 Year Planning Permission for a solar farm and energy storage compound' in Cornacarta, Doonacurry, Foygh, Kilcommock Glebe, Ledwithstown and Tirlickeen (Townlands), Keenagh and Ballymahon, County Longford.

The applicant stated the proposed development will consist of a solar farm comprising of 661,500 square metres of solar "photovoltaic panels on ground mounted frames, associated string inverters mounted to rear of panels and 42 single storey electrical transformer stations".

Foigha Solar Farm Ltd said the proposed development "includes an energy storage compound consisting of 38 containerised energy storage modules and associated plant and equipment, 10 transformers, two auxiliary transformers, one medium voltage control / switching substation and one spare parts container".

The proposed development will also include "underground electrical ducting and cabling within the development site and within the L1139, L1137, L1135, R392 and L1132 public roads, and crossing of the Royal Canal (either by open trench or horizontal directional drill), temporary construction compounds, security fencing, CCTV, access tracks (including clear span bridge over the Donacurry River.

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The applicant stated construction and operational access will be via five existing entrances from the L1139, L1137, L1135 and L1132 which will be upgraded and two new entrances from the L11351.

The operational lifespan of the solar farm will be 40 years.

The Foigha Solar Farm Concern Group objection submission claimed the construction process will pose serious health and safety risks for residents and tourists.

They stated the risk of accidents near residential areas and popular tourist spots is a significant concern, particularly for pedestrians, cyclists, and children and there would be additional noise and dust.

"The constant movement of large lorries through narrow roads increases the likelihood of traffic accidents, particularly as these vehicles may not be able to navigate tight corners and bends safely," the group of local people said.

The group's objection also stated the area in question is "rural and characterized by narrow county roads, which are designed and maintained for local car traffic only and are poorly maintained roads that were not designed to accommodate the heavy traffic and large equipment.

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The Foigha Solar Farm Concern Group also claimed that the proposed project threatens to "irreparably damage the delicate ecosystem in this region, which is home to a range of protected and endangered species".

Alison Murphy, a Community Liaison Officer with BayWa r.e. Ireland Ltd said, "From the outset, the design of Foigha Solar Farm has carefully considered local residents, biodiversity, and safety, incorporating extensive mitigation measures to address any potential concerns.

"We firmly believe that the long-term environmental, economic, and community benefits of the project far outweigh any perceived drawbacks.

"If fully developed, Foigha Solar Farm could provide up to a total of €2.6 million in community benefit funding while creating job opportunities, and supporting local biodiversity enhancement and preservation.

Foigha Solar Farm Ltd said while the application is under review by the local authority they still encourage anyone with further questions to contact our team directly at foighasolarfarm@baywa-re.ie or visit our project website at www.baywa-re.ie/foigha, where we regularly update our FAQs."

A decision is due to be made by planning officials on the project by February 22 next