Tibbotstown Solar Farm

Tibbotstown Solar Farm

Tibbotstown Solar Farm & Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is a proposed renewable energy project in County Cork. Covering 118 hectares across four land parcels, the project will generate clean electricity, reduce carbon emissions, and support Ireland’s transition to a sustainable energy future.

Designed with both the environment and community in mind, the development will deliver lasting benefits — from local job opportunities to biodiversity improvements — while contributing to national climate goals

What we could achieve at Hiskinstown

18,000

Homes powered

25,000

Tonnes of CO2

1.1 M

Trees Equivalent

Project Information

The proposed development, known as Tibbotstown Solar Farm & Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), is located across the townlands of Condonstown, Pigeonhill, Aghaduff, Ballynabrannagh East, Ballynabrannagh West, Ballyvatta, Lysaghtstown, Ballinbrittig, Ballyleary, Ballynakilla, Cloneen, Garranes, Lackenbehy, Dooneen, and Woodstock, Co. Cork.

The solar farm site covers 118.43 hectares across four separate land parcels. It includes the installation of solar PV panels, a BESS, underground grid connections, and associated infrastructure to generate and store renewable electricity.

Benefits from this project

The Tibbotstown Solar Farm will bring long-term value to the local area and beyond. Some of the key benefits include:

• Local job creation – Supporting employment opportunities during construction and ongoing operations.
• Lower carbon footprint – Helping to reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 25,000 tonnes each year.
• Enhancing biodiversity – protecting local heritage, and designing the project to blend with the landscape.

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

Project Information

The proposed development, known as Tibbotstown Solar Farm & Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), is located across the townlands of Condonstown, Pigeonhill, Aghaduff, Ballynabrannagh East, Ballynabrannagh West, Ballyvatta, Lysaghtstown, Ballinbrittig, Ballyleary, Ballynakilla, Cloneen, Garranes, Lackenbehy, Dooneen, and Woodstock, Co. Cork.

The solar farm site covers 118.43 hectares across four separate land parcels. It includes the installation of solar PV panels, a BESS, underground grid connections, and associated infrastructure to generate and store renewable electricity.

Project Timeline

The planning application for the Hiskinstown Solar Farm was submitted to Westmeath County Council in May 2025. Subject to approval, the permission will allow for a construction period and full build‑out over a 10‑year timeframe.

More detailed information on the planning process can be found in the Application Process section below.

Project Sitemap

The total landholding extends to 299 hectares (blue line boundary), with the active development area covering 118.43 hectares (red line boundary). Of this, the solar panels and associated works will occupy approximately 44 hectares, representing around 37% of the development area.

The site consists mainly of agricultural land, with existing hedgerows and trees. These will be largely retained, with gaps filled and replacements planted where necessary.

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 118.43-hectare 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
• 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)

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

At Tibbotstown 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 Tibbotstown 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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