Public Consultation To Begin For Major Solar Farm On Kildare-Laois Border

Wednesday, 7 May 2025 11:56

By Martin Osborne

The company said the site was chosen for its proximity to the national grid and the new EirGrid Bracklone 110kV substation.

Energy firm BNRG has announced plans to seek planning permission for a 32-megawatt solar farm on the Kildare-Laois border.

The firm says the BNRG Bracklone project would generate enough electricity to power over 6,000 homes and displace up to 9,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

The 52-hectare site spans three landholdings between Portarlington, Laois, and Monasterevin, including 35 hectares across two farms in Coolnafearagh and 17 hectares in Kilmullen, Laois.

A public consultation process is now underway, with an information clinic scheduled at Portarlington Community Centre on Wednesday, 21 May 2025, from 3.30 pm to 6.30 pm.

The company said the site was chosen for its proximity to the national grid and the new EirGrid Bracklone 110kV substation.

They said the land will remain suitable for sheep grazing after development.

Pending planning approval and participation in a Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) auction, BNRG plans to establish an €800,000 Community Benefit Fund to support local initiatives.

A planning application is expected to be submitted to Laois and Kildare County Councils this summer.

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