BNRG to seek planning for 32mw solar farm near Kildare-Laois border

Irish owned BNRG, a pioneer in clean renewable energy, today announces its intention to seek planning permission for a 32MW solar farm near the Kildare-Laois border for its BNRG Bracklone PV [‘BNRG Bracklone’] project.

The project would generate sufficient clean, green energy to power over 6,000 homes, contributing positively to Ireland’s green energy transition.

Located in a rural location between Portarlington in Co. Laois and Monasterevin in Co. Kildare, the proposed 52 hectares solar farm will straddle parts of three separate landholdings; one in Kilmullen, Co. Laois (17 hectares) and two neighbouring farms located to its east in Coolnafearagh, Co. Kildare (35 hectares total).

BNRG Bracklone is today (May 7) announcing the commencement of a public consultation and information programme that will take place over the coming months. Its objective is to inform the local community about the project and to obtain feedback to ensure a best-in-class project. 

Public information and consultation clinic

A public information and consultation clinic will take place in Portarlington Community Centre on Wednesday, 21 May 2025, from 3.30 pm – 6.30 pm. This clinic will provide an opportunity to meet experts from BNRG and specialist engineering and environmental consultants TOBIN Consulting Engineers.

A website with project information is also available at www.bnrgbracklone.com alongside contact details for the project’s dedicated Community Liaison Officer.

Proximity to the national grid and the new EirGrid Bracklone 110kV substation were important considerations in selecting the sites. The local topography, combined with planned hedgerows, buffer zones, solar panel setbacks from public roads, and new planting and fencing, will help screen the low-lying solar array panels. 

The solar farm is expected to displace up to 9,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually, relative to electricity generated from fossil fuels. The project promoters are placing significant focus on environmental matters to promote biodiversity, enhance hedgerows for screening and to protect and enhance watercourses, soils and geology.

On completion, the solar farm will remain suitable for ongoing agricultural use, primarily as grazing land for sheep.

Community Benefit Fund

Subject to planning and participation in a Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) auction, BNRG would expect to establish a Community Benefit Fund in which locals would be invited to participate and to have their say in how the estimated €800,000 community fund would be invested over time.

Following a comprehensive public consultation and information programme and completion of a wide range of independent environmental and engineering assessments and reports, BNRG would expect to apply to Laois and Kildare County Councils for planning permission for BNRG Bracklone during the summer of 2025.  

Subject to planning, the construction phase would take up to 12 months to complete, with local suppliers encouraged to tender.

READ NEXT: Intel, Kildare CEO approved for €42m stock plan