Multi-million euro solar farm planned at Limerick-Kerry border

A NEW solar farm is being planned on 245 hectares of land along the Limerick-Kerry border.

Irish solar developer Circal is planning the project, 80% of which will take place on land in the Kingdom, with the remaining 20% across the border in Limerick. The development is projected to be located south-east of Tarbert.

On the Limerick side, it’s projected that it will be built in the townlands of Ballycullane, Ballygoughlin and Kilmurry.

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On the Kerry side, it will include East Shanaway, West Shanaway, Tarmon East, Tarmonhill, Leitrim East, and Barraougeen.

Titled the Tarmon Solar Farm, developer Circal has said it would have the capacity to power almost 40,000 households each year.

New jobs would be created through construction, operation and maintenance.

A community information event was held last week in Tarbert’s community centre, where details of the project were put on display.

The design team for the plans were also present.

A spokesperson for the company said: “The project, which is currently in the design stage, if approved and developed, intends to supply up to 115 megawatt alternating current of installed solar capacity, or 170,000 megawatt hours provided to the national grid each year. That’s equivalent to the energy needs of 38,000 households per year.”

The firm added as well as bringing a clean and renewable energy source, it will also see a number of other benefits come to west Limerick and north Kerry.

This, they said, will include a community benefit fund, which will help deliver local infrastructure.

Enhancements will be made to local biodiversity, and other contributions to local sources.

The spokesperson highlighted the “significant” annual commercial rate which would be payable to both Limerick City and County Council and Kerry County Council.

“Tarmon Solar Farm will contribute to Ireland’s ambitious energy targets which include generating eight gigawatts of solar power, and to have 80% of electricity demand supplied by renewable sources, by 2030,” the company’s spokesperson added.

Its anticipated planning permission will be sought for the new solar farm next month.

Since the plans cover land in both Kerry and Limerick, it’s likely two separate applications will need to be made to both local authorities.

Circal has offices in Dublin, alongside the American locations of North Carolina and Texas.

Solar power is energy derived from the sun's light and heat.

There are a number of active projects for solar farms across Limerick, including one on lands to the south of Hospital village.