Planning permission has been granted for a new solar farm in Cavan.
The development, proposed by Colwell Brothers Limited, would have an operational lifespan of 35 years. The new solar farm is due to be located at Bocade Glebe, Killeshandra. The application includes the installation of photovoltaic panels over a total area of almost six hectares. A planning statement attached with the submission points out that the likely area would be 40% less than this including the required spacing between the panels. This would allow livestock to graze on the fields. Underground cabling and ducting, an MV power station and electrical control building, security fencing, security cameras, and access tracks are all also included. The planning permission would last for 10 years and the current proposed capacity of the farm is six megawatts, which has the potential to power around 2,000 homes. In it's justification for the development, the applicants argue that Ireland has binding renewable energy and emissions targets, and the solar farm would make a substantial contribution to achieving these targets.
Plans for the new solar farm were granted by Cavan County Council with 22 conditions attached.
