Massive planned solar farm to affect Kildare area

A large-scale solar farm project has been proposed for Coolnafearagh, near Monasterevin in Co. Kildare, as part of a cross-county renewable energy development aimed at supplying clean power to the national grid.

BNRG Bracklone Limited, a subsidiary of BNRG Renewables, said he proposed development spans approximately 60.36 hectares of rural land, crossing the Kildare–Laois border between Monasterevin and Portarlington.

The project includes the installation of a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) farm across two sites – one in Coolnafearagh, Co. Kildare (37.66 ha) and the other in Kilmullen, Co. Laois (22.7 ha).

A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is planned exclusively for the Laois site.

The two sites will be connected via underground 20kV cabling.

The Kildare section of the solar farm will use two parcels of land located southeast of the River Barrow.

The sites are described as well-sheltered, screened by woodland, bog, and existing farmland, as well as by fencing along the L7051 road.

Approximately 26.1% of the Kildare landholding will be covered by low-lying PV panels, with enhanced hedgerows and field buffers to reduce visual impact.

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The strategic location was chosen for its proximity to the national grid and the new EirGrid Bracklone 110kV substation, which is currently under construction near Portarlington.

Separate planning applications will be lodged with Kildare County Council and Laois County Council, supported by an Appropriate Assessment Screening Report and Natura Impact Statement.

If approved, the project is expected to contribute to Ireland’s renewable energy targets while providing local biodiversity enhancements through hedgerow management and screening measures.