Neoen outline positives of Crookedwood solar farm

Neoen Renewables Ireland have lodged a planning application with Westmeath County Council for the development of an 87-hectare solar farm and a 50MW battery storage facility at Gartlandstown, Crookedwood.

In response to a number of questions posed by this newspaper about the development, a spokesperson for the company responded by saying that the planned facility answers to the government’s Action Plan which set a target of 8GW of energy from solar by 2030 and “this project will help Ireland to achieve those ambitious targets”.

Neoen also say that steps have been taken to ensure that there would be as little impact as possible on views of nearby Lough Derravaragh, and furthermore, the company plan to set up a community benefit fund worth an estimated €100,000 per year.

“Once operational, the asset will generate enough electricity to power 13,500 homes and will prevent over 18,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year,” said Grace Curran, spokesperson for Neoen.

“Neoen are committed to protecting and enhancing the environment where we locate our assets. A full suite of environmental studies has been carried out to ensure the suitability of this location and these are publicly available to view as part of the planning application (eplanning.ie/WestmeathCC/AppFileRefDetails/2360178/0),” she said.

“In Crookedwood, the site selected is currently used for sheep and cow grazing, and agricultural activities will continue onsite as the landowner will continue to graze sheep on the land throughout the lifetime of the solar farm. It is a great example of complementary use of the land for farming and renewable energy activities,” said Ms Curran.

She added that 14 hectares, almost 35 acres, has been designated for rewilding and new native species hedgerows and tree planting will screen the development, which will contribute to improving biodiversity onsite.

“Lough Derravaragh, which sits approximately 300m away from the nearest point of the development, has been taken into consideration to ensure that the proposed development will have a negligible impact from the lake’s car park viewpoint,” Ms Curran stated.

“A door-knocking has been done with the nearest neighbours to inform them about the planning application lodgement and give them the opportunity to join the consultation.”

Neoen plan to set up a community benefit fund associated with the project. “As part of the government Renewable Energy Support Scheme (RESS), this contribution was established at €2 per MWh, which would represent an amount of approximately €100,000 a year. All citizens living nearby the project are invited to participate in the design of the community benefit fund,” said Ms Curran.

“Community benefit funds are typically established and managed to benefit the local community in the areas of recreation, health and wellbeing, culture and heritage, environmental sustainability, and tourism.”