Danish company exploring potential for Laois solar energy project

Danish renewable energy company Ørsted is exploring the potential to develop a new solar energy project in Laois. 

The major multinational company confirmed to Leinster Express/Laois Live that they are looking at the Cappakeel area, near Ballybrittas for the proposed project which is in the early stages. 

In a statement a spokesperson said: "Ørsted has invested over €700million in Irish renewable infrastructure to date and has a significant greenfield pipeline of prospective new renewable energy projects nationwide to deliver on Ireland’s climate and energy security targets. Ørsted is exploring the potential to develop a solar energy project in the Cappakeel area, near Ballybrittas, Co. Laois and, in line with other early development projects we are working on, will consult and engage with the local community proactively in the planning and development of the project."

A public meeting was held on Thursday, May 23 in the community centre beside the GAA pitch in Emo regarding the proposals. 

Charlie Hackett, Green party candidate in the Graiguecullen Portarlington area, attended the meeting and called for the developer to engage with the local community and said they should not be left in the dark. 

“I fully recognise our need for solar, and all renewable energy sources, so that we can meet our climate targets, have energy security and attract jobs to our areas. I believe that the majority of people feel the same. It is a real shame that some of the community of Emo already fear a project which hasn’t even been properly explained yet.”

He also said “National guidelines for solar projects are needed to help planners decide if large-scale solar farms are acceptable. We have them for wind, we should have them for solar and I’ve called on party colleague Minister Eamon Ryan to bring these forward as soon as possible.”