Project Information
Clashwilliam Solar Farm is located in Co Kilkenny approximately 4.7km west of the village of Gowran and 4km northeast of the village of Bennettsbridge in the townland of Smithstown.
Location
A new 5.7km underground cable route will connect the solar farm to the pre-existing Kilkenny 110kV substation located in the townland of Scart.
The location map provides more details of the site location.
Clashwilliam Solar Farm achieved full planning permission from Kilkenny County Council on 18th June 2021 (Kilkenny County Council planning permission reference number 20/897). The grid route was granted planning permission from Kilkenny County Council on 30th January 2023 (Kilkenny County Council planning permission reference number 22/487).
The project successfully obtained a capacity contract in the RESS 3 auction in September 2023.
Clashwilliam Solar Farm will consist of rows of solar panels mounted on a typical galvanised metal framework. The panels face in a southerly direction with the highest point of the top of the panels being between 3 and 3.2m above ground level.
The development of a solar farm on the proposed site will not have any significant visual impact on roads, settlements or on any area of special amenity value. Due to the relatively low height of the solar arrays, combined with the existing screening on the proposed development.
Cable Route
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.
Proposed Development Timelione
At a local level, there will be benefits from the construction and operation of the Clashwilliam Solar Farm. These include:
- February 2025: Construction of the project to commence
- June 2025 to February 2026: Cable installation
- Q2 2026: Solar works
- Summer 2026: Commissioning and project operational
Community Benefits
At a local level, there will be benefits from the construction and operation of the Clashwilliam Solar Farm. These include:
- A Community Benefit Fund.
- Indirect employment through the sub-supply of services in the local area.
- Rates paid to Kilkenny County Council.
Community Benefit Fund
While the solar fund for Clashwilliam will not be operational until the project energises in 2026, we encourage the local community to start thinking about the kind of projects you think might be supported by the fund.
As we approach the energisation date, we will communicate updates via local media, through the local authorities and via this website.