Push for community-owned solar farm in North Leitrim gains Council support

Leitrim County Council has received calls for a community-owned solar farm in North Leitrim, with Kiltyclogher as a potential site. 

Cllr Eddie Mitchell introduced a motion at the November Council meeting, seeking support from members to promote the idea of a community-owned solar farm as a pilot project. 

He suggested collaborating with a welcoming host community, aligning with the Council’s vision for a sustainable local economy and contributing to renewable energy strategy targets.

“In our renewable energy strategy, we have a target of 80 megawatts of renewable energy,” Cllr Mitchell explained.

“Leitrim is one of the poorest parts of Ireland, we should try to use community owned renewables to try to help communities to find money and save money for grants to try to develop their areas.”

Cllr Mitchell proposed Kiltyclogher as a location for the solar farm.

“The Council can see the work that’s happening in Kiltyclogher where they’re trying to develop that village and try to keep that part of Leitrim alive.

“What I’d like to get is the support of the Council for that type of project in North Leitrim,” he added.

Cllr Mitchell’s motion was supported widely by council members.

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“I’d like to support the idea and I think the Council should be supporting community led projects,” Cllr Warnock commented 

Mr Vincent Dwyer informed Cllr Mitchell that if an interested group comes forward, the Council could bring them through the LEADER programme, which offers funding for green projects.

Cllr Mitchell was advised to reach out with details of any interested group so they can receive the necessary guidance and support.

A reply from the Head of Finance and Water Services explained the Leitrim County Council Climate Action Plan supports renewable electricity projects, including a community-owned solar park initiative. 

In collaboration with the Mohill Development Association and Mohill Sustainable Energy Community, the Council received funding in 2021 to study the feasibility of this solar park. Since then, the Mohill Community Development Association has taken the lead on the project, working alongside the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, ESB, and the Council to advance it.

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