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Tibbotstown Solar Farm
Tibbotstown Solar Farm & Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is a proposed renewable energy project in County Cork. Covering 118 hectares across four land parcels, the project will generate clean electricity, reduce carbon emissions, and support Ireland’s transition to a sustainable energy future.

Designed with both the environment and community in mind, the development will deliver lasting benefits — from local job opportunities to biodiversity improvements — while contributing to national climate goals
What we could achieve at Tibbotstown
18,000
Homes powered
25,000
Tonnes of CO2
1.1 M
Trees Equivalent

Project Information

The proposed development, known as Tibbotstown Solar Farm & Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), is located across the townlands of Condonstown, Pigeonhill, Aghaduff, Ballynabrannagh East, Ballynabrannagh West, Ballyvatta, Lysaghtstown, Ballinbrittig, Ballyleary, Ballynakilla, Cloneen, Garranes, Lackenbehy, Dooneen, and Woodstock, Co. Cork.

The solar farm site covers 118.43 hectares across four separate land parcels. It includes the installation of solar PV panels, a BESS, underground grid connections, and associated infrastructure to generate and store renewable electricity.

Benefits from this project

The Tibbotstown Solar Farm will bring long-term value to the local area and beyond. Some of the key benefits include:

  • Local job creation – Supporting employment opportunities during construction and ongoing operations.
  • Lower carbon footprint – Helping to reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 25,000 tonnes each year.
  • Enhancing biodiversity – protecting local heritage, and designing the project to blend with the landscape.

More details about the proposal can be viewed by visiting our Virtual Consultation Room at the link below.

Project Statistics
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Project Timeline

The planning application for the Hiskinstown Solar Farm was submitted to Westmeath County Council in May 2025. Subject to approval, the permission will allow for a construction period and full build‑out over a 10‑year timeframe.

More detailed information on the planning process can be found in the Application Process section below.

Project Sitemap

The total landholding extends to 299 hectares (blue line boundary), with the active development area covering 118.43 hectares (red line boundary). Of this, the solar panels and associated works will occupy approximately 44 hectares, representing around 37% of the development area.

The site consists mainly of agricultural land, with existing hedgerows and trees. These will be largely retained, with gaps filled and replacements planted where necessary.

Project Sitemap

An overview map showing the project boundaries and key local roads for context.

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The proposed development consists of a 10-year planning permission for the construction of, and a 40-year operation and subsequent decommissioning of, a development consisting of a 118.43-hectare solar farm.

Supporting Information

The design of the solar farm is directly informed and guided by extensive range of survey data collected from the site. The application will be accompanied by supporting information including: Planning and Environmental Considerations Report that examines the potential impacts of the solar farm in respect of:

  • Population
  • Biodiversity
  • Water
  • Noise
  • Landscape and Visual
  • Cultural Heritage
  • Traffic and Transport

Application Process

Construction Environmental Management Plan (that will finalised and agreed with the County Council before any construction work takes place)

  • Restoration/decommissioning plan
  • Appropriate Assessment Screening Report /Natura Impact Statement
  • Glint and Glare Assessment
  • Landscape Management Plan

At Tibbotstown Solar Farm, our goal is to deliver clean, renewable energy while creating lasting benefits for the local community and environment. By listening, sharing updates, and engaging openly, we can ensure the solar farm reflects local priorities and provides real value for everyone.

Can the land be used for agriculture?

Yes. There is enough space below and around the panel arrays to enable grazing by small farm animals such as sheep.

There is low-level noise from inverters and transformers when the solar farm is producing energy. The locations of these are carefully selected to ensure that they are not close to houses. From the boundary of the solar farm, any noise will be less than background noise from traffic or wind.

Construction typically takes 12 months.

During construction there will be some increase in traffic movements in the areas but the process will be managed through a Construction Traffic Management Plan that will be agreed with the County Council to ensure that any disruption is kept to a minimum. Once operational, there will be 1 or 2 maintenance visits per month using light goods vehicles.

Solar panels are coated with an anti-reflective material to maximise light absorption. Although there still may be some glare from the panels, it is significantly less than that from standard glass. The arrays are designed and positioned on the site to minimise any potential visual impact on surrounding properties and the landscape.
The solar farm site will be enclosed by 2 metre high fencing and existing hedgerows where they are present. The site will be monitored by CCTV cameras directed into the site. Land outside of the site will not be monitored so privacy will not be compromised.
Solar farm developments incorporate biodiversity areas, landscape buffers and new and enhanced hedgerow planting that provide habitats for a variety of wildlife such as birds, insects and mammals. Panel arrays provide shade and shelter and vegetation within the site nurtures the soil and attracts insects.
Solar farms generally have an operational life of around 40 years. The planning permission usually requires that at the end of that period the arrays and other equipment is removed, and the site restored to its original condition and use in accordance with the detailed restoration/decommissioning plan. Solar panels can be recycled and valuable materials such as silicon and aluminium recovered.
The issue of whether the presence of a utility scale solar farm development has an affect on property values has been considered by planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála on many planning applications and they have been found that this is not the case

What is Community Benefit Fund

A Community Benefit Fund (CBF) is a government‑mandated fund linked to RESS (Renewable Electricity Support Scheme) solar projects. These funds provide long‑term financial support to communities located near renewable energy developments.

What is Community Benefit Fund?

A Community Benefit Fund (CBF) is a government‑mandated fund linked to RESS (Renewable Electricity Support Scheme) solar projects. These funds provide long‑term financial support to communities located near renewable energy developments.

Every RESS‑supported solar project contributes to a CBF at a minimum rate of €2 per MWh of electricity generated. Because this contribution continues for 15 years, communities receive predictable, stable support throughout the operational life of the project.
Funding continues for 15 years from the project’s commercial operation date, creating stable and predictable support for local communities. The fund supports local community projects, prioritising not‑for‑profit organisations and initiatives aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
A Community Benefit Fund Committee – made up of community representatives, the developer, and the fund administrator – manages the fund and ensures transparency, governance and collaboration.
Who is involved
Developer
  • Develops and delivers the project
  • Appoints the Fund Administrator
  • Reports annually on outcomes
  • Oversees overall governance
  • Supports the Fund Committee
  • Develops the funding strategy
  • Implements committee decisions
  • Ensures governance compliance
  • Provides volunteers for committees
  • Submits funding applications
  • Delivers approved local projects
  • Benefits from funded activity
  • Includes Developer, Administrator and Community
  • Sets funding goals and strategy
  • Reviews and approves applications
  • Operates under RESS governance

How does it work?

The Community Benefit Fund (CBF) is designed to support local communities located near RESS‑supported solar farm projects. The process is transparent, structured and aligned with national guidelines for community funding.

Learn more

The proposed Tibbotstown Solar Farm will benefit from participation by all interested parties during each stage of the development. To make a comment or obtain further information about the project, please complete the contact form below and a member of our team will respond as soon as possible.

Call

Call us on +353 1 685 2858.
We’re around Monday to Friday,
9:00AM to 5:00PM

Email

Email us directly at 
info@powercapital.ie

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86-88 Lower Leeson Street
Dublin 2, Ireland,D02 A668

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