Expansion plan for Drum solar farm project

The developers of a proposed multi-million euro solar farm in Drum, the first in the wider Athlone region, have signalled their plans to almost double the power generating capacity of the project, transforming it into 80MW development across 130 hectares.

EDF Renewables Ireland said the expanded project will generate enough power for 20,000 homes, double the original plans.

In the summer of 2020, planning approval was granted for a €15 million solar development entitled TDC Community Solar Park on approximately 70 hectares in the townlands of Taduff, Curraghleen and Creagh.

Later that year, EDF Renewables Ireland acquired this 30MW project, along with seven other similar developments, from Wexford Solar Ltd, the original developers.

A new planning notice has pointed to proposals to expand this solar farm into an 80MW project across 130 hectares.

“In order to maximise the site’s potential and its connection to the grid, we have applied for planning permission to expand it to a c.80MW project across 130 hectares by extending the development onto the adjoining townlands of Taduff East, Creagh and Cuilglass Co Roscommon,” EDF Renewables Ireland confirmed to the Westmeath Independent in a statement.

“This will also increase the size of the Community Benefit Fund, which will see funds from the project go towards supporting positive local initiatives and activities once it is complete,” the company added.

Information about the revised project has been circulated to all homes surrounding the site to encourage open dialogue from an early stage, it added.

The developers previously indicated that a “significant” number of jobs would be created during construction, and when it gets up and running. While the revised investment was not quantified by the company this time around, it is expected to be substantial given the original proposals was estimated to be €15 million.

“Subject to planning, we look forward to sharing more information on the development of the project, but currently hope to begin construction in 2023,” the company said, more a year later than the original schedule of early 2022.

The development, the first of its kind in the Athlone area, will see the installation of large numbers of solar panels which convert sunlight into electricity and would generally stand between two and a half and three metres high.