BayWa r.e., an International renewable energy developer, has received planning permission for the Springmount Solar Farm.
The farm is the developer’s first solar project in Ireland. The Tipperary County Council and An Bord Pleanála approved the 60MWp farm, which will take up 62ha near Clonmel.
Permission has been granted for ten years, with 40 years anticipated for operational life. After this time, the farm will be decommissioned. A 110kV power cable line will be included in a loop in the substation, connecting Cahir and Doon.
James Redmond, Head of Development for BayWa r.e. Ireland, says: “Delivery of this project will not only boost Ireland’s energy security and provide cheaper and cleaner electricity for consumers; it will also be crucial to achieving Ireland’s net zero ambition.”
Construction will begin in 2026, and commissioning is aimed for 2027. However, a date for connection to Ireland’s electricity grid has not yet been confirmed.
Benefits to the local area
Local hedgerow and trees native to the area will be planted “to the written satisfaction of the Planning Authority”, as decreed in the planning consent document agreed by the County Council and BayWa r.e. This must take place before development begins.
Furthermore, on-site archaeologists will attend to assess any artefacts that could be of local historical significance.
Redmond explains that they will launch a Community Benefit Fund after the solar farm’s development has been completed. This fund will finance local renewable projects both community and residential. Redmond adds:
“As a responsible developer, it’s a priority for BayWa r.e. to translate the benefits of renewable energy projects into tangible improvements for the communities that we become part of.
“The Fund will be established when the solar farm enters commercial operation and will support local community groups and initiatives such as energy upgrade (retrofit) of homes, restoration work for local buildings, and sports ground refurbishments.”
Declan Cullinane, country manager at BayWa r.e. Ireland, concludes: “The project has the potential to make a significant and long-lasting impact on the local economy in County Tipperary through a contribution to annual local authority rates and opportunities for local business in the supply chain.”
