Planning to be sought for huge Longford solar farm that could power 20,000 houses

BNRG, an Irish-owned leader in clean renewable energy, in partnership with Plan Energy Developments, today announces its intention to seek planning permission for a 94-megawatt solar farm near Ballymahon, County Longford. The project, known as BNRG Ballymahon PV & BESS, is expected to generate sufficient energy to meet the electricity needs of an estimated over 20,000 homes, making a significant contribution to Ireland’s green energy transition.

The proposed development would be built on approximately 104 hectares across two land parcels, situated approximately 2 kilometres northwest of Ballymahon village, in the townlands of Cartronbrack, Lislom, and Tirlickeen. These areas have been carefully selected to minimise local impact, using existing agricultural land with good access to regional roads and proximity to the national electricity grid.

Community Engagement

A public consultation and information programme begins today to inform the local community about the project and gather feedback. This includes a public information clinic taking place at the Bridgeways Family Resource Centre in Ballymahon from 6pm-9pm on Wednesday 16 July, where residents can meet experts from the development team. Further information is available at www.bnrgballymahon.com.

Site Design and Environmental Considerations

The project is carefully designed in line with the Best Practice Guidance for Large Scale Solar Energy Development which was supported by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and local authorities including Longford County Council.

Some of the key design features include:

● Natural screening using existing hedgerows and new planting to integrate into the surrounding rural landscape.
● Undeveloped buffer zones and setbacks from public roads and homes.
● Low-lying panels positioned to limit visual impact.
● Underground cabling to connect parcels and link to the existing national grid infrastructure via a proposed new substation within the project boundary.
● The site layout promotes biodiversity, protects watercourses, and maintains agricultural use, primarily for sheep grazing.

The project is expected to displace up to 30,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually, compared to fossil fuel-generated electricity.

Construction and Grid Connection

The construction phase is expected to last 12 months, using established low-impact techniques. Cables will be installed underground. Subject to planning approval and participation in a future Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) auction, construction could begin in 2027, with the project operational by 2028.

At the end of its lifecycle, all equipment will be removed and responsibly recycled, with land returned to agricultural use.

Community Benefit

Subject to RESS participation, the project would establish a Community Benefit Fund, with an estimated value of €2.7 million over the project’s lifetime. Residents would be invited to guide how this fund is used to support community initiatives. Local clubs, societies and organisations will be encouraged to submit funding requests once the project is operational. A portion of the funds must also be used to support not-for-profit community enterprises where the focus is aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals.

About the Project Partners

BNRG, headquartered in Dublin, is a global renewable energy company with operations in Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia. Since 2007, BNRG has developed and operated solar farms producing over 150,000 MWh of electricity annually, with a pipeline of more than 5.5 GW. It is committed to long-term partnerships and delivering minimal local disruption. Plan Energy Developments is an Irish, independent team of renewable energy experts with a strong track record in project development and community energy. The company brings deep technical expertise and works closely with communities to ensure projects are responsibly delivered.

For more information and updates, visit www.bnrgballymahon.com.