About the Project
BNRG Carrowroe is an 85 MW solar farm in the rural townlands of Commons North, Gorteengar, Tullyvrane, Knock, Lisrevagh, Rathcline, Lisnacush, Carrigeens, Carrowroe and Aghaloughan in Co. Longford.
This new solar farm will consist of a low-density installation of PV panels covering approximately 51% of the approximately 98 hectare land holding.
Extensive environmental, landscape and archaeological measures will ensure the local land is protected.
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* Current layout, subject to change
Location
The solar farm sits across 8 nearby sites and will be connected via underground 33kv cabling:
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The proposed site is on 8 land parcels, located approximately 0.8 km south of Lanesborough within the townlands of Commons North, Gorteengar, Tullyvrane, Knock, Lisrevagh, Rathcline, Lisnacush, Carrigeens, Carrowroe and Aghaloughan in County Longford.
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The overall development area covers approximately 98 hectares. The site has been thoughtfully designed to minimise local impact and is primarily situated on existing land parcels with good access to regional roads.
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The discrete, low-lying land parcels are well sheltered, surrounded by agricultural land, with existing hedgerows and fencing that will be preserved and improved.
Project Overview
Owner developer:
Output: 85 MW* of solar energy
Homes: Powering the equivalent of 18,400* household energy needs
Carbon emissions saved: 27,900* tonnes of carbon emissions saved annually
Community funding: €2,450,000* new community funding
*Estimates only
About the Project
BNRG and Plan Energy are committed to providing clean, green energy, while protecting the local environment and wildlife.
Excellent location for solar
Specially selected for its suitability for solar development, BNRG Carrowroe sits on rural, low-lying land with good proximity to the national grid.
Careful screening to preserve the landscape
In general, BNRG Carrowroe is well-sheltered, with low-lying solar panels bordered by enhanced hedgerows and buffer zones. Surrounding fields will also act as visual screening. Read more about this here.
Environmental and wildlife conservation
Industry-leading ecological and biodiversity conservation is at the core of our development. By bringing together best-in-class experts, we can ensure BNRG Carrowroe meets the highest standards in environmental preservation. Read more about our conservation activities here
Protecting cultural heritage
Assessments will be conducted to make sure we protect the local heritage of Carrowroe.
Maintaining agricultural practice
Once operational, the land underneath the solar panels can continue to be used for sheep grazing and other medium-sized livestock. This is a common practice across solar farms, helping to manage grassland and supporting local agricultural use.
Connecting to the national grid
Connection to the national grid is via a 33kv line from the solar site to Lanesborough 110kV Substation, located just 0.8 km to the north of the development.
In time, an Air Insulated Substation (AIS) will be designed and constructed to be inaudible from outside the solar farm and to blend in with the local landscape.
A minimal impact and quick build
This will be a quick build project, expected to take under 12 months.
Planning application
Planning application
Following a public consultation, a planning application will be submitted to Longford County Council for a solar array and associated cabling. The review period for the County Council is 8 weeks.
Separate substation application
A separate planning application for the proposed AIS substation will be made to An Bord Pleanála, the appropriate planning authority. This will be sought under Section 34 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended.
Build
Depending on the outcome of the planning application and procurement, construction on BNRG Carrowroe is likely to take place during 2028-2029. Following the approximate 12-month construction period, the solar development is then expected to become operational in 2029.
Construction is expected to support local jobs and local suppliers will be encouraged to tender.
At the end of the lifecycle of BNRG Carrowroe, the solar panels and their supports will be dismantled and recycled.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Have your say
A public information clinic was held on July 22nd at St. Mary’s Town Hall, from 3:30pm – 6:30 pm to hear your views and talk through the development. The development team remain available to answer any question you may have about the application. For more information, click here.
Stay informed
If you wish to know more about this project, please contact us at email carrowroe@bnrg.ie
Public consultation
A public consultation was held on Wednesday 22nd of July at St. Mary’s Town Hall in Lanesborough. Co Longford, 3:30 - 6:30pm.
News
We are committed to keeping you informed about BNRG Carrowroe.
Latest project news is available to view here.