Green light for Mayo solar PV farm

A major renewable energy project in south Mayo has received the green light.

It involves the construction of a solar PV farm consisting of up to 19,270 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels at Clare, Claremorris, on a 13.8 hectare site.

H & H Renewables Ltd. applied for and received a 10-year grant of permission for a project that involves the installation of solar PV panels on ground mounted frames/support structures. Peatland restoration works, landscaping and biodiversity enhacement measures are also part of the works proposed.

The operational lifespan of the solar PV development will be 35 years.

A report submitted to Mayo County Council set out how the site is predominantly of low biodiversity value agricultural grazing land and degrated cutover bog. It is intended that seasonal grazing will continue on the site.

There will be no permanent structures, and the proposal is temporary and fully reversible at the end of its life.

In addition to renewable energy generation, the development also includes a peat restoration element, specifically targetting an area of cutover bog. This holds immense promise for fostering biodiversity enhancement and carbon sequestrianisation.

It is also proposed to promote the growth of wildflower meadow on sections of the lands.

The project will help deliver on Mayo's aim to transition to a low carbon and climate resilient county, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.

It will eliminate approximately 192,650 tons of carbon dioxide emissions over its 35-year lifepspan.

H&H Rewnewables, the report added, has extensive experience through Ireland in responsible development and management of renewable energy projects and have an ambitious programme for the development of solar PV in Ireland.

In granting permission, planners found that the development would not seriously injure the visual and residential amenities or the ecology of the area.