Massive solar farm to begin construction

Construction work is to begin on a massive solar farm in South Roscommon shortly.

It is projected that the Taduff Solar Park could power up to 20,000 homes with renewable energy, and provide a Community Benefit Fund worth approximately €180,000 per annum.

In July 2020, the project, then known as TDC Community Solar Park, received planning permission from Roscommon County Council for a development on an area of 70 hectares at Taduff West, Taduff East, Creagh and Curraghaleen, Athlone South, County Roscommon.

The development will see 19 single storey inverter/transformer stations; a single storey substation and access road; a single storey customer substation, and a single storey spare parts container, as well as a boundary security fencing with access gates, CCTV security cameras, and landscaping works.

As part of the 20 planning conditions, the developer, now EDF power solutions Ireland, will pay a development contribution of €180,000 to the council.

An Comisiún Pleanála has also granted planning permission for a new 110kV substation at the solar park and a grid connection to connect the project to the national grid at Athlone.

A statement from EDF power solutions Ireland described the imminent works later this month as “a key milestone”.

The solar farm is expected to be constructed and operational by spring 2028, at which point a Community Benefit Fund worth approximately €180,000 per annum will be established.

Paul Gallagher, head of onshore technologies at EDF power solutions Ireland, said this was "a major milestone for a project that will help improve Ireland’s energy security and sovereignty, while also reducing carbon emissions and the country’s over reliance on fossil fuels,” he said.

He added that they were committed to working closely with local groups and stakeholders to ensure the benefits of the project are shared across the community.