Solar farm planned for 25 acres in Clonakilty

PLANS for a 5MW solar farm at Beanhill South in Clonakilty could be in the pipeline after some residents in the area received letters from Amarenco Solar in recent weeks highlighting their intention to build a solar farm.

While a planning application has yet to be submitted by the company, the company has written to people to inform them that it is Amarenco’s intention to lodge an application with Cork County Council.

‘Following detailed investigations, the Amarenco team identified the site at Beanhill South, Clonakilty as being an ideal location for the provision of a solar farm’, said the letter.

‘By means of this letter, Amarenco Solar wished to establish a basis for constructive dialogue with local residents to address any genuine concerns they may have regarding the provisions of this solar farm.’

Earlier this year, Cork County Council granted the company planning permission for two new 5MW solar farms in Beal na Bláth and Ballinvarrig, which now brings to 10 the number of plants with full planning approval in Cork and Waterford. 

The Cork-based company, established in 2013 counts former head of Bord Gais, John Mullins, as part of its executive team.

According to a post on the Shannonvale Community News Facebook page, the planned solar farm is expected to ‘have 22,000 solar panels up to three metres high covering almost 25 acres.’