Kilcandra Solar Farm

Kilcandra Solar Farm

An application for a 10 year planning permission is to be made to Wicklow County Council to construct a solar farm on two land parcels totalling approximately 210 hectares in the townlands of Kilcandra, Kilnamanagh Beg, Ballynagran and Ballinaclogh, Glenealy, Co. Wicklow.

What we could achieve at Kilcandra

32,000

Homes powered

45,000

Tonnes of CO2

2M

Trees Equivalent

Project Information

The solar farm development will consist of photovoltaic panel arrays on ground mounted frames and associated ancillary development including transformer stations, internal access tracks, temporary construction compounds, perimeter security fencing, CCTV cameras, and all ancillary grid infrastructure including underground cables and associated works. The development will be operational for 40 years.

Project Timeline

The planning application for the solar farm is to be submitted to Wicklow County Council in September 2025, under Section 34 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). The permission will seek to allow the development to be completed with a 10-year period. You can view more information about the application process below.

More details about the proposal can be viewed by visiting our Virtual Consultation Room at the link below.

Project Sitemap

An overview map showing the project boundaries and key local roads for context.

The planning application for the solar farm is to be submitted to Wicklow County Council in September 2025, under Section 34 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). The permission will seek to allow the development to be completed with a 10-year period.

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
• Visual impact and impact on the landscape
• 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)

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

At Kilcandra 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.

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.

How does CBF support communities?

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.

How is CBF governed?

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.

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.

Here’s how the CBF process works from start to finish:

1. Appoint Administrator

The developer first appoints an independent Fund Administrator to oversee the process. This step ensures governance and compliance from the start.

2. Create the Fund Committee

Next, a Committee is formed. It includes community representatives, the developer and the administrator. As a result, local voices are part of every decision.

3. Scope the Area and Collaborate

The Committee then identifies community needs, meets local groups and gathers insights. This collaboration helps shape meaningful funding priorities.

4. Develop the Fund Strategy

After scoping, the Committee sets the fund’s strategy, eligibility criteria and objectives. This creates a clear roadmap for the funding round.

5. Set Up the Application Hub

The administrator promotes the fund across local channels. This makes the process simple and accessible.

6. Advertise the Fund

The fund is then advertised across local channels so all eligible groups are aware and encouraged to apply.

7. Application Process

Community groups submit their funding applications through the online portal. This step begins the formal review.

8. Review and Assessment

The Committee reviews every application using agreed criteria. As a result, all decisions remain fair, consistent, and transparent.

9. Agree and Award Grants

Approved projects receive funding based on impact, alignment with community needs and available budget.

10. Fund Administration and Reporting

Finally, the administrator manages payments and reporting, while funded groups deliver their projects and submit progress updates.

This step‑by‑step process ensures that funding is fair, transparent and impactful, supporting long‑term community wellbeing and projects aligned with Ireland’s renewable energy goals.

The proposed Kilcandra Solar Farm will benefit from ongoing participation by interested parties at every stage of development. If you would like to comment or request more information, please complete the contact form below. A member of our team will respond as soon as possible.

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