Clara solar farm gets green light

Planning permission has been granted for a solar farm in Clara.

The application by Engie Developments Ireland Limited includes details for the development of solar PV arrays mounted on metal frames on the 29.7 hectare site.

It's anticipated the solar farm will have generation capacity of up to 15.8MW and create sufficient electricity to power approximately 3,350 households.
In a recent further information response to the council, the applicants said the project would have a 30-year lifespan.

This is the fourth application for a solar farm to be granted planning permission in recent years. In October 2016, HTS Source Renewable Partners Ltd were given the green light for a solar fam on a site at Lehinch, Clara, while in 2017 Elgin Engergy Ltd were granted planning permission for developments on sites at Ballyduff, Tullamore and Shanderry, Portarlington.

Meanwhile, planning permission has been granted for a 16 unit housing development in Birr.

According to the application to Offaly County Council by Liam Walsh and Company, the new development on the Tullamore Road will consist of 10 three bed semi-detached houses and six three bed terraced houses.