Foigha Solar Farm

Solar energy farms are ground mounted installations that range in size. The solar panels are mounted onto a framing system which is installed on the ground. The solar panels use photovoltaic (PV) technology to convert daylight into electricity. 

A Noise Impact Assessment confirms that operational noise from the solar farm will be within recommended limits, meeting EPA, WHO, and EU standards, with no impact expected on nearby homes. During construction, noise will be temporary, occurring only during daytime hours. Any work outside these hours will require council approval. Noise management will follow best practice standards, with BayWa r.e. agreeing to any noise-related planning condition.

Solar panels produce energy from daylight rather than sunlight, so they continue to produce electricity even when the weather is overcast.

We understand concerns about glare from solar panels, so a detailed expert study was carried out. It found only a few nearby homes and road locations might experience minor reflections, and only under ideal sunlight conditions for a brief moment. Even then, impacts are considered low to negligible. With careful design and natural conditions, no significant glare-related nuisance or hazard is expected for residents or drivers.

At a typical height of 2.44 metres high, the PV panels are relatively low-lying in relation to features in the landscape. Although the panels will be occasionally visible as you move through the local area, the proposed development will be screened from most residential areas by topography and/or intervening vegetation. Enhancing the hedgerows throughout the site will also improve screening from local roads and villages. It is intended to manage and maintain perimeter hedgerows and planting to a height of 3-4 metres, with PV panels situated 10 metres back from the site boundary.

We start with a site feasibility assessment, which has already identified this site as a suitable place for a solar farm. We then move into a consultation and surveying phase, where we gather information and opinions on the proposal. Among other things, we assess the environmental, visual, and ecological impact of the site and consult with the local community, the council, and relevant public authorities. This information finalises the design and associated reports that are submitted with a planning application. The Local Authority will then follow their processes to determine the application, which concludes with permission either being granted or refused. 

Solar developments offer an opportunity for agri-diversification which is accepted nationally. Achieving Ireland’s renewable energy targets requires the use of about 0.2% of all agricultural land. For Foigha Solar Farm, sheep grazing is an option to manage grass growth under the panels, improving soil fertility while keeping the land in productive agricultural use.

Because the proposed solar farm will be mostly hidden and only temporary, it will not lower the value of existing nearby homes. As noted in the submitted Planning and Environmental Statement, research in the UK, Europe and United States confirms that proximity to ground mounted solar PV does not impact residential property prices. This has also been confirmed in a number of precedent cases at An Bord Pleanála.

We understand local traffic concerns and have planned to minimise impact. A Community Liaison Officer will keep you updated on delivery schedules and traffic management. Once operational, only occasional visits will occur monthly for maintenance. During construction, about three vehicle trips per hour will occur, mostly outside peak times. Safe access routes and site entrances will be upgraded, and safety measures will be in place throughout construction to reduce disruption.

An Ecological Impact Assessment by Ecology Ireland found the proposed solar farm poses minimal risk to wildlife and biodiversity. Additional surveys as part of the request for information revealed low existing biodiversity, no protected habitats, and no significant species disruption. Mitigation measures include bird boxes, bat boxes, mammal-friendly fencing, protection of existing wetlands, hedgerow enhancement, and native woodland planting. Designed with care, the project is expected to improve local ecology and support long-term biodiversity gains.

Energy storage systems are one of the ways in which we can progress with decarbonisation of our energy system. It is technology that allows for the use of renewable energy to happen more easily and flexibly. Energy generated by renewable energy sources can be stored in a storage system if the demand for electricity at that point in time is low. The energy can then be discharged back into the National Grid at times of higher demand. This also helps to secure a supply of domestically generated electricity into the local distribution network at a time of increased energy uncertainties due to dependencies on foreign supply.

To connect Foigha Solar Farm, a cable will need to pass underneath the Royal Canal using recommended horizontal directional drilling, a low-impact method that avoids disruption to the canal or walkway. Entry points are set back from the canal, with no digging near the water. Environmental safeguards are in place, with expert ecology oversight and consultation with Waterways Ireland who have provided written consent for this method. The canal will remain fully accessible and unaffected throughout construction. Once the proposed additional planting is in place, the solar farm will not be visible from the canal path.

There is no credible evidence to suggest that solar farms pose any health and safety concerns. Once installed, solar panels generate electricity without emitting harmful substances, pollutants, or greenhouse gases. Unlike fossil fuels, solar panels do not contribute to air or water pollution during operation.

The purpose of CCTV is only used to monitor the valuable solar farm infrastructure itself. It will be orientated towards this infrastructure rather than any third-party lands. The locations of the CCTV would be agreed with the Council following detailed design.