Permission sought for new solar farm in the county

Planning permission is being sought for a solar farm in the county.

Cuilmore Solar Ltd has applied to Roscommon County Council for permission to build a new solar farm on an approximate 271acre site in South Roscommon. A decision on the development is expected by July 23rd.

The application, which was submitted yesterday and is at the initial pre validation stage of the planning process, is seeking a ten year permission for the development at Esker, Cuilmore, Cloonrallagh, Corraree and Ballygatta, Newtown, Ardnanure, Curraghaleen, Cloonakille, Rooskagh, Bellanamullia and Monksland.

The development consists of the construction of a solar farm, an on-site 38kV substation and battery energy storage system (BESS), along with associated underground cable connecting the proposed solar farm and BESS to the existing Athlone ESB 110kV substation. 

The development will be located on a site that is approximately 110 hectares and located within the townlands of Esker, Cuilmore, Cloonrallagh, Corraree, and Ballygatta.

Under the proposal, the solar panels will be laid out in arrays across the site on ground-mounted frames. There will also be 48 BESS units, 15 transformer units, as well as underground electrical and communications cabling, pole-mounted security cameras, perimeter security fencing and security gates.

Three new entrances to the development site and upgrade works to the existing one are also proposed.

The operational lifespan of the development will be 40 years. A natura impact statement will accompany the planning application. This development is covered by the provisions of the Renewable Energy Directive, the panning notice said.