Yes. The aim is that renewable energy helps to lower electricity bills, particularly in areas where energy costs are high. There are also programmes and grants that can make renewable energy more accessible for vulnerable households. For example, EnergyCloud Ireland is a social enterprise that redirects surplus renewable energy to households experiencing energy poverty, providing free hot water and reducing energy waste.
Under Ireland’s RESS auction scheme, operational renewable projects must contribute to a Community Benefit Fund that supports local initiatives within a defined radius. The fund is administered in line with government guidelines and supports projects such as community facilities, environmental programmes, education and energy‑efficiency upgrades.
For non‑RESS projects, we provide support through sponsorships, strategic partnerships, school programmes, biodiversity actions and local engagement, as referenced in your document.
Yes. We engage with landowners, residents, community groups and public representatives early in the process through meetings, information sessions, site visits, transparent communication and community sponsorship/benefit fund.
Landowners benefit from stable, long‑term income; low‑impact use of land; improved soil health; biodiversity enhancements; and guaranteed decommissioning at end of life. Leasing supports farm diversification while contributing to Ireland’s renewable‑energy targets.
Long‑term investment in rural areas
Local construction jobs and contracting opportunities
Community Benefit Fund contributions (where applicable)
Biodiversity enhancements
Support for local climate and sustainability goals
Get involved early on in the process. While approvals are made by the county councils or national authorities, communities can input into the shape of the project that balances community and environmental needs.
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.
Yes. Supply chain transparency is paramount to us. We support and execute independent auditing of our supply chain and have a strict governance framework with your suppliers and partners across all our operations
Traffic increases only during construction. After that, maintenance traffic is minimal – typically one or two visits per month.
