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Tynagh Solar Farm

Project Information

Starling Solar Limited, intend to apply for permission for development on lands in the townlands of Shanvoher, Rathmoreahanduff, Rathmore Demesne, Liscoyle, Kilbride, Kilbeg, Grange More, Gortymadden, Drumhogan, Drumatober, Cormick, Castletown and Ahanduff More, near Killimor County Galway (the Proposed Development).

The Proposed Development comprises the following:

  • Construction and operation of solar PV arrays on ground-mounted metal frames, with a maximum overall height of up to 3 metres.
  • Internal underground trenching, electrical cabling and ducting between the solar PV arrays and electrical string invertors.
  • Construction and operational access to the site.
  • Temporary construction compounds and ancillary facilities for the duration of the construction phase of the project.
  • 33kV collector cable network, joint bays and associated works.
  • Internal access tracks, site landscaping and drainage works, security fencing, CCTV and all associated ancillary site development works.
  • The decommissioning and reinstatement of the solar farm at the end of its operational life.
  • A 10-year planning permission and a 40-year operational life from the date of commissioning of the entire solar farm is being sought.

The proposed development consists of a 10-year planning permission for the construction of, and a 40-year operation and subsequent decommissioning of, a development consisting of a solar farm.

Supporting Information

The design of the solar farm is directly informed and guided by extensive range of survey data collected from the site. The application will be accompanied by supporting information including: Planning and Environmental Considerations Report that examines the potential impacts of the solar farm in respect of:

  • Population
  • Biodiversity
  • Water
  • Noise
  • Landscape and Visual
  • Cultural Heritage
  • Traffic and Transport

Application Process

Construction Environmental Management Plan (that will finalised and agreed with the County Council before any construction work takes place)

  • Restoration/decommissioning plan
  • Appropriate Assessment Screening Report /Natura Impact Statement
  • Glint and Glare Assessment
  • Landscape Management Plan

At Tynagh Solar Farm, our goal is to deliver clean, renewable energy while creating lasting benefits for the local community and environment. By listening, sharing updates, and engaging openly, we can ensure the solar farm reflects local priorities and provides real value for everyone.

Can the land be used for agriculture?

Yes. There is enough space below and around the panel arrays to enable grazing by small farm animals such as sheep.

There is low-level noise from inverters and transformers when the solar farm is producing energy. The locations of these are carefully selected to ensure that they are not close to houses. From the boundary of the solar farm, any noise will be less than background noise from traffic or wind.
Construction typically takes 12 months.
During construction there will be some increase in traffic movements in the areas but the process will be managed through a Construction Traffic Management Plan that will be agreed with the County Council to ensure that any disruption is kept to a minimum. Once operational, there will be 1 or 2 maintenance visits per month using light goods vehicles.
Solar panels are coated with an anti-reflective material to maximise light absorption. Although there still may be some glare from the panels, it is significantly less than that from standard glass. The arrays are designed and positioned on the site to minimise any potential visual impact on surrounding properties and the landscape.
The solar farm site will be enclosed by 2 metre high fencing and existing hedgerows where they are present. The site will be monitored by CCTV cameras directed into the site. Land outside of the site will not be monitored so privacy will not be compromised.
Solar farm developments incorporate biodiversity areas, landscape buffers and new and enhanced hedgerow planting that provide habitats for a variety of wildlife such as birds, insects and mammals. Panel arrays provide shade and shelter and vegetation within the site nurtures the soil and attracts insects.
Solar farms generally have an operational life of around 40 years. The planning permission usually requires that at the end of that period the arrays and other equipment is removed, and the site restored to its original condition and use in accordance with the detailed restoration/decommissioning plan. Solar panels can be recycled and valuable materials such as silicon and aluminium recovered.
The issue of whether the presence of a utility scale solar farm development has an affect on property values has been considered by planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála on many planning applications and they have been found that this is not the case

What is Community Benefit Fund

A Community Benefit Fund (CBF) is a government‑mandated fund linked to RESS (Renewable Electricity Support Scheme) solar projects. These funds provide long‑term financial support to communities located near renewable energy developments.

What is the purpose of CBF?

Every RESS‑supported solar project contributes to a CBF at a minimum rate of €2 per MWh of electricity generated. Because this contribution continues for 15 years, communities receive predictable, stable support throughout the operational life of the project.

Funding continues for 15 years from the project’s commercial operation date, creating stable and predictable support for local communities. The fund supports local community projects, prioritising not‑for‑profit organisations and initiatives aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
A Community Benefit Fund Committee – made up of community representatives, the developer, and the fund administrator – manages the fund and ensures transparency, governance and collaboration.
Who is involved
Developer
  • Develops and delivers the project
  • Appoints the Fund Administrator
  • Reports annually on outcomes
  • Oversees overall governance
Administrator
  • Supports the Fund Committee
  • Develops the funding strategy
  • Implements committee decisions
  • Ensures governance compliance
Community
  • Provides volunteers for committees
  • Submits funding applications
  • Delivers approved local projects
  • Benefits from funded activity
Fund Committee
  • Includes Developer, Administrator and Community representatives
  • Sets funding goals and strategy
  • Reviews and approves applications
  • Operates under RESS governance

How does it work?

The Community Benefit Fund (CBF) is designed to support local communities located near RESS‑supported solar farm projects. The process is transparent, structured and aligned with national guidelines for community funding.

Learn more

The proposed Tynagh Solar Farm will benefit from participation by all interested parties during each stage of the development. To make a comment or obtain further information about the project, please complete the contact form below and a member of our team will respond as soon as possible.

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Call us on +353 1 685 2858.
We’re around Monday to Friday,
9:00AM to 5:00PM

Email

Email us directly at 
info@powercapital.ie

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86-88 Lower Leeson Street
Dublin 2, Ireland,D02 A668

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