Foigha Solar Farm
Project Information Page
Overview
Foigha Solar Farm Limited, a subsidiary of BayWa r.e. Ireland Ltd. is exploring the opportunity to develop a solar farm on a 130 ha site in the townlands of Cornacarta, Doonacurry, Foygh, Kilcommock Glebe, Ledwithstown and Tirlickeen in Co. Longford. The development will include a substation, energy storage system and underground cable connection to the existing Lanesboro-Mullingar overhead line.
The proposed Foigha Solar Farm will contribute to Ireland’s renewable energy targets and promote increased energy generation and self-sufficiency. A Community Benefit Fund will also be established to provide reliable, long-term funding to the local community.
We understand the importance of community engagement at every stage of this project’s development. The Foigha Solar Farm information page will be regularly updated as the project progresses.
Project status
Foigha Solar Farm’s planning application was granted on 29 September 2025. The planning decision can be accessed via the Longford County Council planning website.
Proposed site location
Key facts
Clean renewable energy which could power up to 19,000 homes;
All underground cabling and an energy storage system;
Solar panels with a typical height of 2.44 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.
Viewpoint image gallery
Indicative viewpoints with PV panels installed and mature hedgerows and planting in place
Indicative view from L1132 at Tirilickeen
Key benefits
Benefits arising from the construction and operation of the proposed Foigha Solar Farm include:
Clean renewable energy supporting the Irish government’s 2030 target of 80% renewable electricity;
An inclusive Community Benefit Fund of approximately €175,000 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, through the establishment of a designated ecological biodiversity area and species rich grassland adjacent to Kilcommock church;
Significant rates payments per annum will be payable to Longford 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.
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.
Supporting Ballymahon Forgney Ladies Gaelic Club
As part of our community engagement and investment associated with the proposed Foigha Solar Farm in Co. Longford, we were delighted to sponsor new shorts and socks for Ballymahon Forgney Gaelic for Mothers & Others, supporting their fundraising efforts for an upcoming tournament in Barcelona. Best of luck, ladies!
Key design considerations
The two terms ‘glint’ and ‘glare’ refer to the unwanted reflection of the sun’s rays by the face of a reflective surface. A Glint and Glare Assessment has been undertaken and concludes that the proposed solar farm will not generate any nuisance to homes or drivers within the study area.
Project timeline
How does solar energy work?
Frequently Asked Questions
Have your say
Should you wish to submit any comments/suggestions on the proposed development, please click on the contact us button or submit a feedback form below.