Laois company behind massive €40m solar farm refused planning

A Laois company has been refused planning permission for a large-scale solar farm development in north west Kildare.

Cadamstown Solar Limited, which is based in Portlaoise, applied to Kildare County Council for the proposed development, valued at €41 million. It sought permission for a solar photovoltaic energy project on a 45.9-hectare site in the townland of Kilglass near Broadford in Co. Kildare.

The application was for a 10-year period to construct and complete the development, with the solar farm intended to be operational for 35 years.

Plans included the installation of PV panels mounted on metal frames, transformer stations, a GRP unit, internal access tracks, perimeter fencing with CCTV cameras and access gates, along with underground electrical cabling and ducting. The proposal also provided for a temporary construction compound, landscaping works and all associated ancillary infrastructure.

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The proposed solar farm was designed to export electricity to the national grid.

A Natura Impact Statement examining the impact on habitats or species was submitted as part of the planning application.

Neo Environmental Ltd was the architect and lead consultant while Headland Archaeology Ltd was the archaeological consultant.

Kildare County Council issued its decision to refuse planning permission on January 16 following the submission of the application in March 2025.