Laois residents to be consulted on 130 acre new solar farm

Laois residents around Portarlington and Killenard are set to be consulted on plans for a major renewable energy solar farm on which will straddle Laois and Kildare.

Irish-owned BNRG has announced that it intends to seek planning permission for a 32 megawatt generating solar farm near for its so-called ‘BNRG Bracklone’ project. The business claims in a statement issued to the Leinster Express / Laois Live that the project would generate enough electricity to power about  6,000 homes.

It says it will be located in a rural area between Portarlington and Monasterevin on 52 hectares. Killenard is the largest residential area near the Laois part of the farm which will cover 17 hectares of farmland in Kilmullen. The Laois site is located off the R420 and with the inter-city rail line to its rear. It will cover 35 hectares across two neighbouring farms in Coolnafearagh, Co Kildare.

The company says the locations would be connected using underground cables along L7176, R424 and R420 roads. it will be connected to the Bracklone 110kV substation, Portarlington via underground cable.

Describing it as a 'small scale' solar farm, BNRG explain that two 'discreet' mini-substations will be built in an 'agricultural-style' building. Details of the mini-substations and an associated battery storage units will be included in the applications to be submitted to the Councils.

BNRG Bracklone announced on May 7 the commencement of what it said is a "public consultation and information" programme  over the coming months. The company says the objective is to inform the local community about the project and to obtain feedback to ensure what it termed a "best-in-class" project.

The company says proximity to the national grid and the new EirGrid Bracklone 110kV substation were important considerations in selecting the sites. It adds that the local topography, combined with planned hedgerows, buffer zones, solar panel setbacks from public roads, and new planting and fencing, will help screen the low-lying solar array panels.

BNRG outlined the green credentials. It claims that up to 9,000 tonnes of carbon emissions would be displaced annually by the development, relative to electricity generated from fossil fuels. BNRG also say "significant focus" is being placed on environmental matters to promote biodiversity.

It also claims that on completion, the solar farm will remain suitable for ongoing agricultural use, primarily as grazing land for sheep.

Subject to planning and participation in a Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) auction, BNRG indicates that it would expect to establish a Community Benefit Fund in which local people would be invited to participate and to have their say in how the estimated €800,000 community fund would be invested over time.

BNRG say that following a "comprehensive public consultation and information programme" and completion of a wide range of independent environmental and engineering assessments and reports, BNRG would expect to apply to Laois and Kildare County Councils for planning permission during the summer of 2025. Subject to planning, it estimates that construction would take up to 12 months to complete, with local suppliers encouraged to tender.

The company estimates that construction would take place from 2027 with the farm producing power in 2028.

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At the end of the lifecycle of BNRG Bracklone solar panels and their supports will be dismantled and recycled.

A public information and consultation clinic will take place in Portarlington Community Centre on Wednesday, May 21, from 3.30 pm – 6.30 pm. The company says this will provide an opportunity to meet experts from BNRG and specialist engineering and environmental consultants TOBIN Consulting Engineers. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Location of solar farm. 

BNRG adds that a website with project information is also available at www.bnrgbracklone.com alongside contact details for the project’s dedicated Community Liaison Officer.

Headquartered in Dublin with operations in Ireland, the US, the United Kingdom and Australia, BNRG describes itself as a 'pioneering' developer and operator of solar projects. Since 2007, it has worked with development, technology and investment partners to finance, build, manage and own solar farms that today produce more than 150,000 MWh of electricity, with more than 5.5 GW of active projects in the development pipeline.

"Its approach is built on developing lasting and trusted relationships and partnerships so it can deliver on its promises, including minimal disruption for communities," it claims.

The company adds that news updates will be shared with stakeholders via our project website www.bnrgbracklone.com