BayWa r.e. welcomes positive planning decision for Tipperary solar farm
BayWa r.e. has welcomed a decision by Tipperary County Council and An Bord Pleanála to grant planning permission for the development of Springmount Solar Farm.
The development, which has received consent on approximately 69 hectares of land, is located 7km west of Clonmel and will provide enough clean, renewable energy to supply up to 12,000 homes. The decision marks BayWa r.e.’s first successful application from a strong pipeline of wind, solar and energy storage development projects in Ireland.
James Redmond, Head of Development for BayWa r.e. Ireland, welcomed the decision and the benefits the development will bring to the local community:
“We welcome the decision made by Tipperary County Council and An Bord Pleanála to grant consent for Springmount Solar Farm. Delivery of this project will not only boost Ireland’s energy security and provide cheaper and cleaner electricity for consumers; it will also be crucial to achieving Ireland’s net zero ambition.
“As a responsible developer, it’s a priority for BayWa r.e. to translate the benefits of renewable energy projects into tangible improvements for the communities that we become part of. We look forward to working with the local community to deliver a substantial Community Benefit Fund, which will be made available annually to individuals and groups surrounding the solar farm. The Fund will be established when the solar farm enters commercial operation and will support local community groups and initiatives such as energy upgrade (retrofit) of homes, restoration work for local buildings, and sports ground refurbishments.”
Declan Cullinane, Country Manager at BayWa r.e. Ireland, said:
“I welcome the opportunity to progress Springmount Solar Farm into the next exciting phase of its development. The project has the potential to make a significant and long-lasting impact on the local economy in Co. Tipperary; through a contribution to annual local authority rates, and opportunities for local business in the supply chain.”
Springmount Solar Farm supports the Government’s 2030 targets of installing 8 GW of solar power, which will be necessary to achieve net zero by 2050, as well as the Tipperary County Development Plan 2022, which outlines objectives to promote and facilitate renewable energy development. Springmount will now apply for a grid connection, and expects to receive an offer in 2025, allowing construction to start in 2026, with commissioning projected for 2027.
BayWa r.e. Ireland understands the importance of community engagement and intends to keep the local community informed throughout all phases of the project.
