Fyanstown Solar Farm
Project Information Page
Overview
BayWa r.e. Ireland Ltd. is exploring the opportunity to develop a solar farm on a 137-hectare site approximately 5 km east of the town of Kells, Co. Meath. The development will include an on-site substation, an energy storage system, and an underground cable connection to the national electricity grid.
The proposed Fyanstown 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.
A public information event was held at Kells Parochial National School on 19th June 2024. The project team greatly appreciates the active participation and questions raised by members of the local community. In response, we have updated our FAQ section below to address the key questions asked.
We understand the importance of community engagement at every stage of this project’s development. The Fyanstown Solar Farm information page will be regularly updated as the project progresses.
Project status
The planning application for the proposed development was withdrawn and has now been resubmitted (Ref: 2660267).
The overall size of the project has been reduced by removing Parcel 3 at Hurdlestown. This means there will be fewer solar panels. The layout of the remaining parcels has been adjusted following feedback from Meath County Council and updated environmental, flood risk and archaeological studies. The project will use two existing upgraded access points, and additional hedgerows are proposed to further improve screening.
Parcel 3 at Hurdlestown was removed after archaeological surveys which identified features of potential archaeological importance in the area. On professional advice, the parcel has been removed to ensure these features are protected and left undisturbed.
Site location
Key facts
Enough renewable energy to power up to 27,000 homes;
All underground cabling;
One on-site substation and an energy storage system;
Solar panels with a maximum height of 2.46 metres;
Hedgerows and mature planting around the perimeter of the site to provide natural screening and provide local habitat;
Strong measures put in place for the protection and enhancement of biodiversity at all stages;
40-year development with the option to decommission and return the land to its original use.
Visualisation
Indicative view of R163 at the proposed site entrance (Pre- and post-mitigation establishment)
Key benefits
Benefits arising from the construction and operation of the proposed Fyanstown Solar Farm include:
Clean renewable energy supporting the Irish government’s 2030 target of 80% renewable electricity;
Significant rates payments per annum will be payable to Meath County Council;
An inclusive Community Benefit Fund which will allow a wide range of individuals and organisations benefit from the proposed solar farm;
Potential for job creation during the construction, operation and maintenance phases of the proposed project;
Potential opportunities for local business in the supply chain.
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 channeling 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?
