Planning permission has been lodged to build a solar farm in an area between Stradbally and Timahoe.
Lightsource Renewable Energy Ireland Limited have applied for a ten year planning permission at a site in the townlands of Bigbog, Coolnabacky, Esker, Money Lower, and Loughteeog, Stradbally Co Laois.
Lightsource develops and operates solar farms and rooftop installations in Britain and Ireland.
On their website, they explain the reason why they have chosen this area.
They say: “The proposed fields have been chosen for the project because they are well-screened by surrounding hedgerows and trees, so there are few views from the surrounding area.
“The solar farm will be designed to accommodate the grazing of small livestock, such as sheep or chicken, to allow the land to be kept in agricultural production.
“The wide field margins and boundary hedgerows will be managed to create and enhance habitats for local birds and wildlife.
“Generating energy locally means that Ireland can reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuel supplies.
“We work with local communities throughout the life of the solar farm to ensure our projects are the best fit for the local area.”
This is the next phase of the project after two public meetings were held about it back in March.
If successful, this would be the third solar farm to get the green light in Laois.
Earlier in the year, JBM Solar Developments Ltd received permission to build solar PV energy developments at Sronagh, Mountmellick, for ten years, and at Rathleague, Portlaoise.
Approval for the Mountmellick development was granted, despite the objections of two local residents, Thomas and Margaret Lalor, who submitted that such a development could pose a potential hazard to the pilots who fly very low from a nearby airfield.
Councillor Paddy Bracken also made a submission on the Mountmellick plans, in which he maintained that the site was too close to existing houses and roads.
He was also concerned that ‘glint and glare’ would occur, creating a ‘potential hazard for both adjacent residents and road users’.
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