Solar farm being considered at Laois dump

Laois County Council is considering building a solar farm at Kyletalesha dump in and introducing District Heating systems in Portlaoise. 

The proposals are contained in the Laois County Council Climate Action Plan 2024 - 2029.  It sets out 114 actions to be undertaken by the council in order to reduce emissions, promote walking and cycling and increase the use of renewable power in the county.  

One of the actions will see “Laois County Council will conduct a feasibility study for Solar Farm at Kyletalesha landfill, ensuring this study has appropriate regard to planning and environmental protection considerations.”

There are also plans for a pilot scheme ”to improve access to waste streams” at the Kyletalesha Landfill. 

Meanwhile, in Portlaoise the council is going to examine the possible use of shared or District Heating. This system would involve one central heating plant providing hot water and heat to a number of homes and businesses in a specific area. 

The council has committed to examining the use of such a system in Portlaoise.  As set out in its climate plan, the council said it “will investigate the feasibility of Shared or District Heating in Portlaoise.”

The council intends to extend its trial of solar powered lighting in the county. “Building on the experience of solar powered public lighting at Ballyfin, Laois County Council will pilot LED PV solar street lights at two further locations; while ensuring the lumen levels and spectral range are maintained or reduced/controlled to avoid effects to biodiversity,” they stated in the plan.

As part of the five year plan, the council intends to develop a new Renewable Electricity Strategy drawing from national guidance.  

“Over the lifetime of this plan Laois County Council will carry out a Renewable Electricity Strategy (RES) for the county, based on revised national guidance. Such a strategy

would be appropriately shaped by planning and environmental protection requirements associated with renewable energy development,” the council stated. 

It is also going to work with neighbouring counties to develop an Electric Vehicle charging  strategy for the region. 

“Laois County Council will collaborate with neighbouring local authorities to develop a

comprehensive Electric Vehicle (EV) charging strategy, ensuring a seamless and regionally integrated charging infrastructure to support the widespread adoption of electric

vehicles, having due regard to environmental sensitivities (such as material assets, the receiving water environment, biodiversity, European sites, local air quality, and cultural heritage),” the council stated 

It is also examining the introduction of communal gardens to grow food. 

The measures are among a broad set of actions developed in order to help  reduce emissions in the county.

In the action plans foreword, signed by Laois County Council CEO John Mulholland and Cathaoirleach, Cllr Paschal McEvoy, the said: “Our mission is to lead by example, reducing emissions, and embracing climate change adaptation as we work towards a sustainable and low-carbon future for Laois. We take this commitment seriously and understand its significance in addressing the pressing issues associated with climate change. 

The implementation of actions set out in this Climate Action Plan 2024-2029, will assist Laois County Council in embedding climate action measures across local authority services, setting realistic and achievable targets and timelines for delivery.”