Mannok submits plans for solar farm near Ballyconnell
Mannok Cement Ltd has outlined ambitions to develop a large-scale solar energy facility near Ballyconnell.
The vision is contained in plans for the proposed development, which have been lodged with Cavan County Council for approval.
If granted, in its first year alone, it’s estimated the farm will generate enough renewable electricity to save an estimated 1,243 tonnes of CO2 emissions - or the equivalent annual carbon offset of around 89,000 evergreen trees.
The 9.3-hectare site just south of the cement works entrance is located within the townlands of Gortawee or Scotchtown and Rakeelan, and borders an industrial area with manufacturing and warehouse facilities to the east and residential properties at Doon Heights further south.
The proposed solar PV array will consist of approximately 12,609 ground-mounted solar panels supported on steel frames, with a maximum height of 2.73 metres. These south-facing panels will be arranged in rows, spaced 3.5 metres apart, and tilted at an angle of between 10 and 25 degrees for optimal sunlight exposure.
The application includes the installation of a transformer station (11kV), underground cabling, a permeable gravel access track, widening of an existing field entrance, temporary construction compound, CCTV poles and cameras, biodiversity measures, and the relocation of an existing ESB overhead power line.
The permission sought by Mannok is for a 35-year operational lifespan, after which the site will be decommissioned and fully restored to agricultural use. Existing woodland within the site will remain untouched.
According to the planning statement submitted by Quarryplan of Downpatrick on behalf of Mannok, the solar installation is a key component of Mannok’s Energy Valley Transformation Programme, which aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Prior to formally submitting the plans, Mannok engaged with Cavan County Council in a pre-application consultation in May.
An archaeological and cultural heritage assessment, meanwhile, was carried out by Dr Charles Mount, a leading expert in the field with over 30 years of experience.
The study involved a geophysical survey conducted in June, along with a site visit in August. These confirmed no known archaeological monuments within the application area, although two prehistoric sites - a megalithic tomb and a barrow - are present in the wider study area.
A full field inspection carried out in August concluded there will be no direct impacts on any recorded archaeological sites or cultural heritage structures, and the layout of the project was adjusted accordingly.
During construction, a temporary compound will be established on the northern side of the site, featuring office, storage, welfare, and waste management facilities.
Access to the proposed development site will be via an existing field entrance from the private Mannok Cement laneway, with no new access points onto the public road network required.
Security during construction will be provided by Netwatch Commander Units, while around 20 thermal and CCTV cameras on 3.5-metre poles will monitor the site during operation. These will be directed inward to avoid capturing footage of nearby residences or businesses.
In its submission, Mannok emphasises that the solar project aligns with both national energy policy goals and local development plans, delivering wide-reaching environmental benefits while enhancing the sustainability of its operations.
A decision on the application is due on or before October 9.