Laois residents fear 'serious implications' to planned 130 acre solar farm

A newly formed rural residents group in Laois has expressed concern at a plan for a large solar farm near their homes.

The Kilmullen/Coolnafearagh Solar Action Group with over 50 members, wants to alert others that the 52 hectare (132 acres) plant is planned on farms between Portarlington and Monasterevin.

The solar farm, planned by BNRG Bracklone, is promised to power 6,000 homes with green electricity, with sheep able to graze under the panels. It would take one year to build, and include a Community Benefit Fund estimated at €800,000.

However the residents have many serious health concerns about it.

Spokesperson and health protection nurse Gráinne O'Kane spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"Many people in the surrounding communities are still unaware of the scale of this development and the serious implications it could have for public safety, health, and the environment," she said. 

The group say that the location is "inappropriate” for an industrial energy development within a residential and rural community.

They predict "health implications for vulnerable groups including the elderly, neurodiverse individuals, and people with tinnitus or sensory conditions who may be particularly sensitive to persistent low-frequency noise, glare, and electromagnetic effects”. 

Also a loss of biodiversity, damage to wildlife habitats, and permanent change to landscapes.

On fire safety, they claim that "the development includes large lithium battery storage units and inverter stations, which carry a serious risk of fire. We are especially concerned about the potential danger to nearby homes and the challenges emergency services could face in responding quickly and safely."

The residents dispute the safety of the site access point.

"The proposed entrance is located on a notoriously hazardous bend along a busy and fast-moving road. This stretch has a history of frequent accidents, with speeding a known issue. Introducing construction traffic and long-term site access will significantly increase the risk to road users, including pedestrians and school transport.”

They also claim a "lack of meaningful consultation or transparency, with many residents only recently learning about the proposal and its full impact".

"We support the transition to renewable energy, but it must be done responsibly — with community safety, environmental integrity, and public input at its core," say the Kilmullen/Coolnafearagh Solar Action Group.

They have held two public meetings already, both well attended says Nurse O’Kane.

"We also set up a WhatsApp group and a Facebook page to keep the community informed and connected. We plan to submit a group objection as a residents’ committee, and we’re also helping neighbours who may need support in drafting personal objections.

"We’re grateful to have the support of public representatives, including Cllr Aidan Mullens and Senator Maria McCormack” she added.

To raise awareness and cover campaign costs, a Table Quiz is planned on August 1 in The Thatch, Killenard.

BNRG Bracknagh plan what they describe as a 'small scale' solar farm, with two 'discreet' mini-substations in an 'agricultural-style' building. The company held a public information day in Portarlington Community Centre on Wednesday, May 21 and has a website with information on the project.

Read also: Two Laois supermarkets have begun generating green energy

Full details will be available to view on Laois and Kildare county councils' websites when applications are submitted this summer.

A second solar farm is planned to link to the new EirGrid Bracklone 110kV substation. A small two hectare solar farm is the subject of a live application to Laois County Council. It is planned to power a sawmill.