BNRG to seek planning permission for a solar farm near Carrowroe, Co Longford
The project, known as Carrowroe Solar Farm, is expected to generate sufficient energy to meet the electricity needs of an estimated 18,400 homes
Public Information Programme BNRG, an Irish-owned leader in clean renewable energy, in partnership with Plan Energy Developments, has announced its intention to seek planning permission for a circa 121 megawatt solar farm near Carrowroe, County Longford.
The project, known as Carrowroe Solar Farm, is expected to generate sufficient energy to meet the electricity needs of an estimated 18,400 homes, making a significant contribution to Ireland’s green energy transition.
The proposed development would be built on approximately 100 hectares across 8 land parcels, situated approximately 0.8km kilometres south of Lanesborough village, in the townlands of Lisrevagh, Rathcline, Lisnacush, Carrigeens, Carrowroe, Aghaloughan, Commons North, Gorteengar, Knock and Tullyvrane.
These parcels have been 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 programme will take place throughout July to inform the local community about the project and gather feedback.
This includes a public information clinic taking place at St. Mary’s Town Hall in Lanesborough Co Longford from 3.30pm 6.30pm on Wednesday 22nd of July, where residents can meet experts from the development team.
Further information will be available at www.bnrgcarrowroe.com in the coming days.
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:
• Being proactive in avoiding seasonal waterbodies, watercourses and borehole locations.
• Using existing natural screening like hedgerows and new planting to integrate into the surrounding rural landscape.
• Leaving undeveloped buffer zones which allow for good setback distances from public roads and homes.
• Using low-lying panels positioned to limit visual impact.
• Using underground cabling within the leased lands as much as possible 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 27,900 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 2028, with the project operational by 2029.
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 €2.45 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 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, updates will be available shortly at www.bnrgcarrowroe.com.
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