Valuable input from public consultation shapes BNRG Laccamore

• Feedback, surveys and assessments have helped inform best-in-class solar proposal

• Planning application to be submitted in the coming days

  
  

BNRG is very grateful to the local community for your constructive feedback and input as part of our public consultation process in relation to the proposed BNRG Laccamore solar development.

The 122MW* proposed solar farm is designed to meet Ireland’s targets of generating 80% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. BNRG Laccamore would help meet these targets by providing power for the equivalent of 21,600* households and it would also save up to 33,000* tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

Your feedback, along with comprehensive surveys and assessments, has helped inform a range of proposed measures, mitigations and enhancements that will be included in our planning application to ensure a best-in-class solar project.

*estimates only

Key activities have included:

• Public Consultation: community clinic and individual landowner 1-2-1s and Q&As, community outreach by our Community Liaison Officer

• Flood risk assessment in accordance with the Planning System and Flood Risk Management (PSFRM) Guidelines

• Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments to fully evaluate the visual impact of the development on the surrounding landscape to understand how the project might look and to mitigate any potential visual effects

• Archaeological walkovers and assessments of known archaeological features critically assess the archaeological and cultural heritage environment from existing records and embed mitigation measures to minimise potential effects

• Ecology and hydrology (ground water) assessments and mapping to mitigate the potential effects on flora and fauna within the project site and surrounding areas

• Noise and vibration surveys to reduce or eliminate any residual impacts of noise and vibration during construction and operation

The following is a summary of issues raised and proposed actions in response:

Feedback	Action taken
Flooding concern: You asked us if the proposed solar development would affect drainage and potential flooding in the local area	We acknowledge the concerns raised regarding local flooding and drainage. We have placed significant focus on environmental matters, and our design and layout will promote biodiversity with bat commuting corridors, enhance hedgerows for screening and protect and enhance watercourses, soils and geology. A comprehensive flood risk assessment (Stage 2 FRA in accordance with The Planning System and Flood Risk Management [PSFRM]) has been carried out for the proposed solar development to ensure that the design and layout will not affect flood risk nor damage drainage channels.
Construction and Traffic: Queries about how traffic will be managed and access to premises during construction	It is essential that the safety and security of local roads is maintained during construction and the life cycle of BNRG Laccamore. Subject to planning, the construction phase for the solar development is expected to be completed within 12-15 months. This will comprise of a quick build which will take up to 9 months, followed by low-impact commissioning works lasting 3 to 6 months. Access to houses, farms and businesses will be maintained throughout the build. Minimum disruption is anticipated during construction as the solar arrays would be located on private lands and installed using tried and tested techniques. The proposed solar farm will be connected via under-road cabling to connect the sites with the existing EirGrid 110kV transmission line, laid on a rolling dig-bury-reinstate basis. To maintain a steady traffic flow during the construction phase, a comprehensive Traffic Management Plan informed by traffic counts and speed surveys will be agreed with the local authority prior to construction commencing. A separate Road Safety Audit will be carried out on the proposed entrance locations to assess any safety considerations relating to the entrance design. These entrances have been designed to a high standard to mitigate any risks. All roads will be reinstated on completion of the construction works, either to their pre‐works condition or better and to the satisfaction of the road's authority. The BNRG Laccamore Community Liaison Officer will be available to respond to any queries during the construction phase.
Visual amenity: You told us you wanted to protect the visual surroundings of properties and local environment	Visual impact has been a key consideration in our project design, and we have undertaken a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) for this. A very low density of solar panels is being proposed. The site has been selected as it is naturally well-screened by local topography, hedgerows and buffer zones. In response to feedback during the public consultation, the final design will include enhanced hedgerows. Where hedgerows adjoin public roads, internal perimeter fencing and additional setbacks for solar panels will be provided. We plan to further enhance this screening where needed in consultation with our specialist landscape and visual consultants. This will preserve the natural quality of the local landscape and view from surrounding premises. Our Community Liaison Officer and project lead undertook follow up discussions with local properties on request to assess potential individual visual impacts. The final panel layout design will take into consideration discussions with the local community.
Noise impact: Questions were asked about possible sound from the solar array	BNRG Laccamore has conducted detailed sound studies to ensure any potential sources are subject to mitigation measures and minimise impact on the local environment. Taking these points into consideration, a detailed noise report will be included in the planning application. The noise and vibration impact during the construction and operational phases were assessed in addition to taking account of mitigation measures to reduce or eliminate any residual impacts on the environment within the study area. In response to your feedback, we have adjusted the final design to relocate inverters to reduce noise impacts on local properties. The placement of the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and inverters has been determined in accordance with best practice guidelines for noise and vibration. The substation and associated battery energy storage equipment would be arranged in a traditional open-air layout, with batteries housed in containerised sized units designed to have a low visual impact. Locations have been selected to minimise any potential impact on neighbouring properties.
Community Benefit Fund: You asked us how community funding would be managed and distributed to the local community	We are keen to work with the community to see BNRG Laccamore maximise its positive impact for local residents. Subject to planning and participation in a Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) auction, BNRG expects to establish a Community Benefit Fund in which locals would be invited to participate and to have your say in how the estimated €2,900,000 community fund would be invested over time. Administration of the Community Benefit Fund involves several key roles, including the project developer, the community, and a designated community fund committee that oversees fund allocation. The latest guidance on this can be found at: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/publications/community-projects-and-benefit-funds-ress/ Please note the document may be subject to change by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment. We look forward to working with the community to best harness the benefits of the Fund locally.