Large-scale solar farm planned for Longford ‘could power more than 18,000 homes’

A rare species of snail, the Vertigo Angustior, has become a new obstacle in the plans for a ballroom at the Trump Doonbeg resort in County Clare. The presence of the 2mm mollusk has prompted the Planning and Development Commission (ACP) to request additional reports from the developers, TIGL Ireland Enterprises Ltd, regarding the potential impact of the proposed 320-person capacity ballroom on the fragile microhabitat and hydrology of the area. The ACP has written to the applicants, asking for detailed assessments examining how the construction might affect the Vertigo Angustior. This comes after the commission previously deferred its decision on the appeal until 25 November, and now the new requests will push back the final determination even further. The applicants have until 29 October to submit the required reports, which include a hydrological assessment of possible changes to groundwater conditions caused by earthworks and foundation construction. The slow progress of the Doonbeg ballroom project contrasts sharply with the rapid pace of construction at the Trump ballroom in Washington, where 250 workers are working 20 hours a day, seven days a week. Despite these efforts, the project continues to face legal challenges from local residents who oppose the development. One such opponent is Liam Madden, a resident of Longford, who has filed an appeal against the planning permission for the ballroom. In his appeal, Madden argues that the submitted planning documentation does not conform to the Planning and Development Act and that the issue cannot be resolved through amendments. He has called on the ACP to reject the proposal outright, describing it as “nonsense.” TIGL Ireland Enterprises Ltd has also lodged a separate appeal against a planning condition related to the protection of the Vertigo Angustior. The ACP's recent letter highlights that a Natura Impact Statement submitted with the application indicates that the snail’s population in the Carrowmore Dunes Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and surrounding habitats is in severe decline. The statement notes that the Vertigo Angustior is highly sensitive to changes in water levels and habitat structure, necessitating a thorough understanding of the ecological and hydrological connections crucial to the SAC. As part of the review process, the ACP has asked the developers to update the Natura Impact Statement to consider cumulative effects on other European sites, taking into account the current conservation status of species like the Vertigo Angustior. Additionally, the commission has requested an Ecological Impact Assessment (EIA) to evaluate the broader environmental consequences of the proposed development. While the focus remains on the Doonbeg ballroom, another major development in the region involves a planned large-scale solar farm in Longford. BNRG, a global renewable energy developer, is in talks with Longford County Council about constructing the Carrowroe Solar Farm near Lanesborough. The project, which spans 98 hectares, aims to supply enough energy to power approximately 18,400 homes and reduce annual carbon emissions by nearly 28,000 tonnes. The site is strategically located near the Shannon River and benefits from existing grid infrastructure. The flat peatland landscape and regional initiatives promoting sustainable energy alternatives also support the project’s feasibility. Public consultations were held in July, and ongoing discussions with the county council suggest the project could start construction in 2028, becoming operational by 2029. Despite the optimism around renewable energy, the Carrowroe Solar Farm faces its own set of challenges. A planning permission appeal has been filed, citing concerns over traffic management, visual impact, and potential disturbances to nearby communities. The developers have committed to establishing a community benefit fund valued at €2.45 million over the project’s lifespan.