The Springmount Solar Farm near Clonmel won’t be operational for another three years at least.
Tipperary County County and An Bórd Pleannala have granted planning permission for the development on 69 hectares west of Clonmel.
It’s expected to generate 55 to 60 Megawatts of clean, renewable energy which would be enough for 11,000 or 12,000.
It’s hoped that construction can start in 2026 and be finished before the end of 2027.
Declan Cullinane, Country Manager for BayWa says even though they’ve secured planning permission they still have to apply for a connection to the electricity grid and will have to wait more than a year to find out if they get the offer to connect.
The Community Benefit Fund from the new Springmount Solar Farm could be worth €1.5m to locals in the area.
Country Manager for BayWa Declan Cullinane says the mandatory community development fund will be overseen by a committee of local people and can be used to improve local housing stock and schools, as well as to support local sports clubs and community groups.
Depending on output, is expected to be worth €80,000 to €100,000 per annum over 15 years.
