Plans Unveiled for Solar Farm near Castlejordan

Lightsource BP, a leading global developer of solar installations, will be outlining their proposal to fund, develop and operate a 42.3MW solar farm and substation on 226acres of land adjoining the townlands of Harristown, Clongall and Castlejordan, in County Meath, at a community information event on Wednesday 8^th May, 2019. Lightsource BP is inviting residents from the surrounding area to attend the community information event, where further information will be made available on the project.

The plans for this solar installation have been underway for some time, and a previous community information event was held in May 2018. Since this initial community meeting, Lightsource BP submitted the proposal for planning (Planning Ref: TA181225) and as part of the further information request received from Meath County Council, were asked to complete an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR), covering both the solar farm and the proposed 110kv substation.

Lightsource BP are now holding another community event, to present the latest plans for the solar installation and the 110kv substation, to seek input from the local communities and various experts to better inform and shape the final proposal. The community information event will be held in Ballinabrackey GAA Hall, Castlejordan, Co. Meath, on Wednesday 8^th May, and residents are invited to drop in at any time between 2pm and 8pm to discuss, and offer feedback on, the planning proposal with members of the Lightsource BP planning team.

The proposed solar farm would generate clean and renewable energy that would power 10,833 homes, saving 23,524 tonnes of carbon emissions every year, the equivalent of taking 5,227 family cars off the roads.

As well as generating clean energy, Lightsource BP solar farms are designed so that they also act as a haven for local wildlife. A bespoke Biodiversity Management Plan will be developed in conjunction with the planning application to ensure that the plan enhances the site as much as possible for local wildlife, and that native species benefit from planting, seeding and habitat creation.  Lightsource BP is also eager to hear from wildlife enthusiasts and local schools who may be interested in playing a role in the ongoing monitoring of wildlife on the site.

The proposed layout for the Harristown solar farm has been designed in such a way that most of the open grassland on the site will be left free to be used as grazing pasture for small livestock, allowing the land to be kept in agricultural use.

The fields which are proposed to house this project have been chosen because they are well-screened by surrounding hedgerows and trees, so the surrounding area will have a limited view of the solar farm.

Conor McGuigan, Lightsource BP Director of Business Development, Europe said:

“Solar energy is not only clean and renewable, but it also generates locally-produced energy, which can support Ireland to meet its environmental targets and avoid expensive fines, while safeguarding Ireland’s security of energy supply.   

We want to ensure that local communities in Harristown, Castlejordan and Clongall are informed of our plans to develop the project, and so, we look forward to meeting elected representatives, local businesses and residents at the community information event. In addition to gaining feedback from local communities, we also want to provide a forum to give residents the opportunity to ask any questions they may have about the project or solar energy in general.”

Residents can obtain further information on the project, at any time, by getting in touch with the Lightsource BP project team via info@lightsourcebp.com.