IRELAND’S largest solar-powered carport will be constructed at Cork Airport.

The solar carport, which is expected to be completed in August 2027, will provide shelter for cars parked in the Holiday Blue car park, while also generating up to 20% of the airport’s electricity needs into the future.

A solar carport is a dual-purpose structure, where a canopy is constructed and fitted with a roof of photovoltaic panels.

The 1.7 MW carport, which is being constructed over the existing Holiday Blue car park, will be rolled out in two phases – the first of which will start in early summer, with the second stage to commence in October.

Once completed, it is envisaged that the 3,696 solar panels and 5 inverters will generate 1.5 GWh of renewable energy each year for the airport.

As well as delivering renewable energy and lowering CO₂ emissions at the airport by 355,056 KG, the carport will reduce annual electricity costs and boost operational efficiency by enabling on-site energy generation.

The construction of the new solar carport will be followed by an extension to the existing Holiday Blue Car Park, with 669 more long-term car parking spaces.

Of those new spaces, 32 will be dedicated spaces for persons with reduced mobility.

The car park extension will also include new internal roadways, more trolley bays, attenuation and drainage work, along with landscaping works with a focus on native Irish plant species.

Speaking at Cork Airport, Minister for Transport and Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy Darragh O’Brien TD said: ‘This new solar carport will strengthen Cork Airport’s sustainability credentials and forms a key part of the airport’s overall sustainability strategy. The solar carport will generate up to 20% of the airport’s electricity needs into the future.’

Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director at Cork Airport confirmed that the airport will reach it’s 2030 energy reduction targets.