Plans for major solar farm in Tipp
Killough Solar, a new renewable energy development, designed to complement Coolmore Stud’s [‘Coolmore’] environmental and sustainability initiatives, today announces plans to submit a planning application for the development of a c. 100MW solar farm at Killough Farm, Thurles. The project is led by Coolmore in co-operation with Temporis Investment Management, specialists in the renewable energy and clean technology sectors.
The location has been carefully selected for its discrete low-lying setting, being substantially bordered by over 50 hectares of woodland, a large open quarry and with very few households nearby; the proposed solar farm is further screened by the local topography, by plans for set-back from the public road, a low density of solar panels (c. 40 per cent of landholding) and by enhanced hedgerows with provision for wildlife and biodiversity.
If approved, Killough Solar would see Coolmore operations becoming even more strongly climate positive, complementing Coolmore’s other biodiversity and sustainability initiatives. It would also support Ireland’s target of achieving 8GW of operational solar by 2030 as set out in the Climate Action Plan 2024 and reaching net zero by 2050.
Killough Solar would supply renewable energy to the electricity grid via an existing nearby 110kV overhead line, producing energy equivalent to the annual needs of 25,000 households or a population comparable to 68,500 people. It would also save up to 42,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually - relative to fossil fuel.
In advance of submitting a planning application over the coming months, outreach to local landowners has now commenced and a community consultation and information process begins today aimed at ensuring a best-in-class solar project. Public information and consultation clinics will be hosted in the nearby Killough Castle, which though located on the farm, is not part of the proposed development and will continue to be used as accommodation. Over the longer term, Killough Castle is being considered as potential complementary accommodation for the Cashel Palace Hotel.
Subject to planning and a successful outcome in a future Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) auction, a community benefit fund will be established, likely contributing over €3m over a 16.5 year period, with community participation in deciding how best to invest this fund.
Subject to planning, tender, construction and commercial offtake agreements, it is likely to be several years before the solar farm becomes operational. The project is expected to support 80-100 jobs during the 18-month construction phase, with priority, where practicable, being assigned to local suppliers.