Renewable energy developer RES has received planning approval for its Magheralin Solar Farm in County Down, marking what the company described as a key milestone in expanding clean energy capacity in Northern Ireland.
The Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council granted permission for the project, which will be located approximately one kilometre southwest of Magheralin. Once operational, the solar farm is expected to generate enough electricity to power around 13,600 homes annually, according to RES.
The project is forecast to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 16,200 tonnes each year when compared with conventional fossil fuel generation.
“This is a well-designed project which will effectively combine clean, low-cost electricity generation with continued agricultural use and biodiversity enhancement,” said Rachel Buchanan, senior development project manager at RES. “We’re pleased the council’s planning committee voted to approve the application, in line with the case officer’s recommendation.”
RES said the site was selected for its strong solar potential, proximity to grid infrastructure, and its location outside areas designated for environmental or landscape protection.
The project will allow continued sheep grazing alongside solar generation, with the company stating that vegetation growth beneath the panels will support biodiversity and preserve the land’s agricultural value.
The planning approval includes a landscape strategy featuring new hedgerow and tree planting aimed at reducing visual impact and creating wildlife corridors.
RES added that the project is expected to deliver economic benefits to the local community, including employment opportunities during the approximately 40-week construction and decommissioning phases. Local contractors and workers will be invited to participate in the build.
