Plans for major solar farm near Cavan cement plant

Plans have been proposed for a large-scale solar energy farm spanning more than 100 acres in north Cavan.

Mannok Cement Ltd. have brought forward designs for the proposed development across 50 “small rectangular fields” on lands to the west of the company’s headquarters in Ballyconnell.

The plans provide for the intended installation of ground mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, placed on steel support structures, underground cabling, temporary construction compound and the erection of three transformer stations.

Mannok have signalled their intention to add gravel access tracks, the widening of existing field entrances and the introduction of CCTV poles, cameras, entrance gates and perimeter fencing.

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Cavan County Council planning officials have been tasked with ruling on an application for a 40-year operating licence within which Mannock officials have set out ambitious and wide-ranging environmental goals.

Part of those targets has seen consultants acting on behalf of Mannok seeking to reduce its own carbon emissions by more than 3,700 tonnes during the first 12 months of the development’s operation.

“The benefits of the proposal would be significant and wide-ranging; namely through the generation of clean renewable energy, which will help to alleviate the impacts of climate change and contribute towards a secure source of energy in Ireland,” read a planning statement.

The cement plant was previously owned by Derrylin-based businessman, Sean Quinn.