Given the vast number of renewable energy technologies available today, solar technology is one of the most favourable. Solar PV technology is relatively unobtrusive, sympathetic to the surrounding area, works with the natural landform, easy to deploy, commercially proven and reliable whilst making best use of the land.
About
The Solar Farm
The proposed solar farm known as ‘Mogullaun Solar Farm’ is to be located in the townlands of Mogullaun, Culleen, Drumline, Crossagh, Rathlaheen South and Ballycasey Beg. It comprises approximately 95ha (236 acres) of agricultural land which is divided by public roads and mature hedgerows.
As part of the proposed solar farm, rows of solar panels will be placed horizontally across the site facing south to absorb energy from the sun to generate clean green renewable energy to help us to reduce emissions, become carbon neutral, and to displace harmful fossil fuels that are having such a detrimental impact on our environment and health.
The rows of panels are not expected to be visible beyond the site’s boundaries which consist of a mixture of dense mature hedgerows and woodland, all of which are to be preserved and further strengthened by additional landscaping planting where required. Several large areas will be kept free from any panels where there are thought to be archaeological remains underground, invasive plant species, and existing wildlife hubs.
At the maximum height, the panels would be approximately 3m above ground level. The modules will be mounted on an aluminium framework making an angled table. Galvanized steel columns will support the table. The mounting columns will be driven into the ground without the need for concrete to ensure the least impact and maintaining the soil structure. The land underneath and in between the arrays will be seeded with a grass mix, whilst the margins will be seeded with wildflower.
The proposed solar farm offers a great potential benefit to local wildlife, resting the land from intensive agricultural practices, avoiding the use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers, and providing biodiversity enhancement opportunities.
It will transform this current monoculture grassland into a wildlife sanctuary.
FAQs
Are the townlands in Co. Clare suitable for a solar farm?
Yes, this site is suitable for a ground-mounted solar project – the topography, ground quality and landscape screening provided by the significant natural screening in the form of trees, hedges and woodlands make it an ideal site. Residential amenity will be protected, and no significant adverse impacts are predicted to occur.
What is the Proposed Development comprised of?
Planning permission is sought for 10 years, with a 35-year operational lifespan for a 95-hectare solar PV farm. The development includes ground-mounted solar arrays, underground cabling connecting to a new substation near the existing Drumline 110kV substation, security fencing, CCTV, internal access tracks, site drainage, and other ancillary works. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) will accompany the application, addressing all environmental aspects of the project.
Will it be noisy?
No, the primary on-site noise sources will be the inverter/transformer stations and the substation compound. An independent specialist will assess these emissions to ensure they remain below regulatory limits. The assessment will consider worst-case, full-load, night-time scenarios, though actual noise levels are expected to be lower during mornings, evenings, and overnight due to variations in plant output
Will there be a lot of additional traffic?
No, the operation of the solar farm will be monitored remotely with sporadic maintenance required to the site in light goods vehicles (LGVs). Maintenance work on the solar arrays is anticipated to be required approximately two/ three times a year. It is estimated that traffic to the site during the operational phase would only average 3 to 4 visits per month which would not impact upon the existing public road network.
Will it affect human health?
No, solar panels are made from silicon with sealed components, posing no risk of leakage during use. At decommissioning, all materials will be recycled by licensed operators under the WEEE Directive. EMF from substations and inverter stations will be minimal—below 0.4 μT at 30–50 metres—well within the ICNIRP's safe exposure limit of 100 μT. EMF is common in everyday life and rapidly decreases with distance. Reliable information on EMF is available from WHO, ICNIRP, IEEE, and national grid operators.
Will it devalue my property?
No, research funded by the SEAI found no evidence that proximity to ground-mounted solar farms negatively affects property prices, based on studies from the US, UK, and Germany. The report states no such impact was identified in any case study country. Additionally, several An Bord Pleanála inspector reports have similarly found no evidence of property devaluation linked to solar developments.
Can the land still be used for agriculture?
Yes, the land beneath the solar arrays will remain available for use as pasture for sheep, this practice is common place on land where solar farms have been developed to manage grassland and control weeds.
What will the boundary of the site be?
GP JOULE Ireland Limited's solar standard design includes a new fence, hedge and the planting of native species along the boundary of the solar farm. The fence would be located four metres inside this new hedge. These hedges are typically between three meters to six meters in height and the fence is three metres in height. The hedges will be designed by a team of landscape architects to screen the fence from outside the site, so the fence, when constructed, should not be visible from outside the site.
How will the boundaries be maintained?
Hedges will be maintained similarly to how a road or other boundary would be maintained, through targeted trimming at suitable times of year. All cutting would be done in line with best practice (Between September and March) and would not reduce the height and nature of the growth below that consented as part of the planning permission.
Will there be lighting on the site?
ESB require lighting however for Mogullaun Solar farm it is not included as it already exists in the main substation.
Will the solar panels be visible to the public?
The site is well screened from all directions in the surrounding areas given the mature hedgerows, along with the existing trees and woodlands, as well as the gently undulating landscape, which naturally screens views from the site.
Where can I find more information on the proposed project?
Please email us for more information:
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If you have any questions about our renewable energy projects,
don’t hesitate to get in touch. GP JOULE invites you to discover
the potential in your local area!
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don’t hesitate to get in touch. GP JOULE invites you to discover
the potential in your local area!
