Ireland West Airport seek green light for solar farm project

MANAGEMENT at Ireland West Airport are developing a major green energy project.

A 1.2MW solar farm is proposed on the airport grounds at Kilgarriff, comprising over 2,500 PV panels.

The project would provide more than 40% of the airport's annual electricity demands.

An application for planning permission is currently at pre-validation stage with Mayo County Council.

The proposed development will consist of the installation of a linear array of ground mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, with associated cabling and electrical infrastructure.

It also includes two single-storey substations (a new solar PV substation and a new airport substation) and a new generator room, along with new and relocated security fencing.

The proposed 1.5MVA AC solar farm will create a total anticipated output of 1.2MW.

Subject to the receipt of planning permission, the estimated duration of the proposed construction works is eight months.

Documentation submitted to the council outlines how the proposed solar farm will be developed in phases to effectively match the evolving energy demands of the airport.

In landscape terms, it is located in an area which has low potential to create adverse impacts on the existing landscape character.

Integrating a solar PV farm into its infrastructure is a critical step in advancing the airport’s decarbonisation journey and achieving its long-term sustainability goals.

The proposed development will ensure diversity and security of electricity supply for the facility.

The works will see the installation of 2,566 photovoltaic panels, each with an output of 690W. This will create a total anticipated output of 1.2MW.

The surface of the panels will cover an area of approximately 2.25ha.