Tipperary spring water company seeks approval for solar energy farm on 39 acres site

Glenpatrick Spring Water has submitted a planning application to Tipperary County Council seeking permission for a solar energy development on a site of just over 39 acres on Clonmel’s outskirts.

The Clonmel based water and soft drinks manufacturing company that employs over 300 people is seeking a 10-year planning permission for the solar farm with a capacity of approximately 8 megawatts at Powerstown Demesne and Burgagery Lands-East, Clonmel.

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According to the planning application, the proposed project will comprise the installation of photovoltaic solar panels on mounted frames, electrical transformer stations, underground electrical and communications cabling.

It will also involve the provision of upgraded and new on-site access tracks, security fencing and gates, pole mounted security cameras, landscaping and reinstatement works.

Glenpatrick Spring Water, which is part of the Queally Group, says the operational lifetime of the solar energy development will be 35 years. An Assessment Screening Report accompanies the planning application that was submitted to Tipperary County Council on February 5.

In its planning application cover letter, the company explained that its Glenpatrick production plant at Burgagery Lands East, Clonmel, is a high energy consuming facility.

The complany’s plan is to export the electricity generated at the solar energy development to the national grid.

“By generating renewable electricity for export, the proposed development will help offset the production plant’s high energy costs, strengthening its long-term viability, safeguarding local employment and achieving national greenhouse reduction targets.

“The proposed development will also make a contribution to Ireland’s renewable energy targets, improve energy security through diversification of supply together with supporting the transition away from fossil fuels,” the company added.

Public submissions in relation to the application must be submitted to Tipperary County Council’s Planning Department by March 11.

A decision on whether to approve, refuse or seek further information on the application is due to be made by the local authority on April 1.

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