FAQ
Clashwilliam Solar Farm is being developed by ESB Solar (Ireland), a wholly owned subsidiary of ESB.
A glint and glare study were completed as part of the planning submission for the project. It is not considered that there will be any significant nuisance effects or adverse impact to residential amenity from glint and glare at dwellings or other receptors surrounding this proposed solar farm.
A security fence will be erected around the site inside perimeter hedgerows. CCTV alarm system will be installed on this fencing and will be operated remotely by the control centre in ESB. The fencing will include mammal passes to allow the continued free movement of mammals across the site.
There will be limited construction noise during the construction period. The foundation system for the panel mounting system is usually earth screw or driven type pile (depending on ground conditions). Both techniques involve a small track machine with a ram/screw attached. This machine tracks up and down in rows installing as it goes. The associated noise impacts are typical of the level of agricultural machinery.
The proposed development will have no adverse noise impact on neighbouring houses or local amenities once the site is operational. There is no noise produced by the solar panels and the inverter/transformer cabins may be a source of low-level noise but only when in very close proximity to the units.
The site will be accessed from a new site entrance constructed on the L2635 road which runs adjacent to the south of the site, approximately 800m west of where the L2635 meets the L2634 road.
The cable route will be installed along public roads c. 5.7km from the solar farm site to Kilkenny 110kV Substation. The route will pass through the townlands of Scart, Highrath, Maddoxtown, Rathgarven, Clifden, Roughfield, Abbeygrove, Annfield Carran and Smithstown.
A detailed traffic management plan will be agreed with Kilkenny County Council prior to construction.
Once constructed and operational the only traffic to occur will be for occasional maintenance visits. The impacts of such traffic will be negligible.
Yes, the contractor(s) is/are responsible for providing welfare facilities on site during construction.
Diversion and delays will be kept to a minimum when the detailed traffic management plan is put in place. The project will arrange leaflet updates and communications on this.
The Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) provides support to renewable electricity projects in Ireland and the auction supports the Government’s ambition to achieve up to 80% renewable electricity generation by 2030.
For more information click here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/36d8d2-renewable-electricity-support-scheme/#ress-3.