Over 80 developments between 2015 and 2018 had been granted planning permission for Solar Farms throughout the Republic of Ireland. However, to date, none of these renewable energy sources are operational.
In 2018 it was reported that The Ireland Strategic Investment Fund had partnered with Capital Stage, a Hamburg based solar and wind farm company, to support a €140m renewable energy project that would see the construction of 20 solar farms in along the east and southwest coasts of Ireland.
Under the 2009 Renewable Energy Directive, Ireland must produce at least 16% of all energy consumed by 2020 – a target the country is struggling to meet which could result in hefty fines if it fails to do so.
An Bord Pleanala previously warned of the lack of strategic planning and spatial strategy around these development sites.
