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.
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?
