Bramble Solar Farm
Project Information Page
Overview
Bramble Solar Farm Limited, a subsidiary of BayWa r.e. Ireland, is exploring the opportunity develop a solar farm on 184-hectare site at the townlands of Ballyallinan North, Loghill, Ardnanean and Ardbohil, approximately 3.5 km south-west of Rathkeale Co. Limerick. The development will include a 110kV substation and an underground cable connection to Rathkeale 110kV Substation.
The proposed Bramble Solar Farm will support Ireland’s renewable energy targets, enabling greater energy generation and self-sufficiency. A significant Community Benefit Fund will also be established to provide long-term, reliable funding for local individuals and groups in the area.
We recognise the importance of community engagement and value any feedback you may have about the proposed solar farm. You can learn more about our plans at an upcoming public information event. Your input will play an important role in shaping our plans as we prepare to submit a planning application to Limerick County Council.
Our initial proposal
Our surveys and studies are progresssing, but there’s still more for us to learn. We are eager to hear from local residents to help shape our proposal. By tapping into local knowledge, we aim to ensure our project benefits not only the environment, but also the wider community.
Project Update
Archaeological Test Trenching Works
As part of our ongoing environmental and technical assessments, archaeological test trenching will commence on Tuesday, 23rd June. These works are expected to take approximately 4 weeks. This is a routine stage of the planning and due diligence process and will help identify any potential archaeological features within the site. During this period, there will be some activity within the study area, including machinery and survey teams. We will make every effort to minimise disruption, and all work will be carried out in line with relevant best practice.
These investigations are an important step in refining the design of the proposed solar farm, ensuring that any archaeological features are appropriately protected ahead of submitting a planning application. While we remain committed to progressing to the planning stage, these additional studies have resulted in a delay to the timeline previously outlined at our community engagement event in September 2025. If the layout or design of the proposed development changes as a result of these studies, we will provide an update in advance of any formal planning application to Limerick County Council. We appreciate your continued interest in the project. If you have any questions or would like further information, please do not hesitate to contact the project team.
Key Facts
Clean renewable energy which could power up to 30,000 homes;
All underground cabling;
Solar panels with a maximum height of 3.5 m;
Hedgerows and mature planting around the perimeter of the site to provide natural screening;
40-year development, after which the solar farm will be decommissioned and the land restored to its original use.
Key Benefits
Benefits arising from the construction and operation of the proposed Bramble Solar Farm include:
Clean renewable energy supporting the Irish government’s 2030 target of 80% renewable electricity;
An inclusive Community Benefit Fund of approximately €240,000 per annum, which will provide benefits for a wide range of individuals and organisations;
Strong measures put in place for the protection and enhancement of local biodiversity,
Significant rates payments per annum will be payable to Limerick County Council which can be reinvested into communities, infrastructure and services;
Potential for job creation during the construction, operation and maintenance phases of the proposed project.
Viewpoint Image Gallery
Indicative view before and after mitigation measures have been established (new hedgerow and infill planting).
Community Benefit Fund
Whilst solar farms bring many opportunities, we would like to see benefits established for everyone in the community. Community Benefit Funds are aimed at channelling funding from the solar farm to community groups that serve the population of the area.
There is a substantial Community Benefit Fund associated with the project over a period of 15 years under the Renewable Energy Support Scheme (RESS), which would be available for the area should the proposal be constructed in its entirety. The value of this fund would ultimately be directly proportional to the level of installed MWs.
BayWa r.e Ireland will be directed by feedback from the community on how the area might benefit the most from any proposals, we will explore these ideas with you. Once approved the fund will be administered by a committee selected and made up of members of the local community as per RESS guidelines. The focus of the funds should support local initiatives that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals such as energy upgrade (retrofit) of homes, restoration work for local buildings, and sports ground refurbishments.
If the project seeks an alternative route to market other than RESS, BayWa r.e. Ireland pledges to match these contributions.
Project timeline
How does solar energy work?
