About the Project
​BNRG Shessy is a 120MW* solar farm in rural south County Galway near Cahercarney and Shessy.
The 148 hectare solar farm will consist of a low-density installation of PV panels covering 26%* of the total land holding.​
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​Industry-leading environmental, landscape and archaeological conservation is at the centre of our solar development.
*Estimates only
Location
The solar farm will contain parts of two separate landholdings:
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The northern site is 62 hectares, located in the townlands of Cahercarney and Drumharsna South.
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The 86 hectare site to the south lies either side of the L518 and slightly to the west of the L4506 and M18. It straddles the townlands of Shessy South, Shessy North and Lydacan.​
Both sites have access to a network of roads within 2km, minimising local disruption. Access to local properties will be maintained during the build. Read more about our Traffic Management Plan here
Project Overview
Owner developer:
Output: 120MW* of solar energy
Homes: Powering the equivalent of 23,500* household energy needs
Carbon emissions saved: 35,000* tonnes of carbon saved annually
Community funding: €3.1m* new community funding
*Estimates only
About the Project
Rigorous environmental, archaeological and landscape assessments are planned to ensure a best-in-class solar farm
Excellent location for solar
Specially selected for its suitability for solar development, BNRG Shessy sits on rural, well-sheltered and low-lying land with good proximity to the national grid.
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Careful screening to preserve the landscape
The local topography, combined with hedgerows, buffer zones, solar panel set-backs from public roads and new planting and fencing, will help screen the low-lying solar array panels. Surrounding fields will also act as visual screening.
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Read more about this here
Environmental and wildlife conservation
Industry-leading ecological and biodiversity conservation is at the core of our development. By bringing together leading experts, we ensure BNRG Shessy meets the highest standards in environmental preservation. Read more about our environmental conservation here
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Protecting cultural heritage
South-East Galway is an important historic area. We will undertake extensive archaeological assessments to inform the design of BNRG Shessy and ensure the rich local heritage is protected. Read more about this here​
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Agricultural practice
Once operational, the land underneath the solar panels can continue to be used for agriculture, typically as grazing land for sheep. This is a common practice across solar farms, helping to manage grassland and supporting local agricultural use.​​​​​​
Connecting to the national grid​
Connection to the national grid is via a loop-in substation to the existing EirGrid 110kV electricity line, which runs between Ennis and Cashla and passes over the site. ​​The substation is subject to a separate planning process, submitted directly to An Bord Pleanála.
​​A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) will be housed on-site to ensure a more consistent energy supply, and meet the highest of international safety standards.
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A minimal impact and quick build
This will be a quick build project, with additional environmental and archaeological protections in place during the build. Enhanced traffic planning and mitigation measures will be submitted as part of the planning application. Local suppliers will be encouraged to tender.
Planning application​
Public consultation
Prior to submitting a planning application, BNRG Shessy will host a public consultation clinic to hear local community views and answer any queries.
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​Planning application​
Following a public consultation, a planning application will be submitted to Galway County Council for a solar array, Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and associated cabling during the summer of 2025. The review period for Galway County Council is 8 weeks.
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A separate planning application will go to An Bord Pleanála for a loop-in substation.​​
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Build
Depending on the outcome of the planning application and procurement, construction is likely to take place during 2027-2028.
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Following the up to 9 month construction period and 3-6 month commissioning phase, the solar development is then expected to become operational in 2029.
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As the solar panels are located on private lands there will be minimal disruption during the build. Access to local houses, farms and businesses will be maintained. There will be minimal requirement for under-road cabling which will only need to cross roads at two points.
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At the end of the lifecycle of BNRG Shessy, the solar panels and their supports will be dismantled and recycled.
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What is solar energy?Solar energy is a type of renewable energy that converts sunlight into a useable energy in the form of electricity.
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How does a solar development work?Solar developments, sometimes referred to as ‘solar farms’, are a type of renewable energy project designed to supply power to homes and businesses. When the sunlight hits the surface of a solar panel, electrons in the solar panel cells collide and generate a current. This current can then be transformed and transferred to the electricity grid, supplying power to customers.
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What makes this site suitable for solar energy?Unlike solar panels installed on private dwellings, solar developments must connect to nearby energy infrastructure so that the power they generate can be supplied to the grid and subsequently distributed. The proposed location has been selected for its strong solar resource, discrete low-lying lands, proximity of the various land holdings to one another (requiring minimal underground cabling or disruption) and importantly, its proximity to the national grid via the 110kV EirGrid line between Ennis and Cashla. Solar sites must meet statutory regulations and be developed in accordance with all applicable planning requirements.
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Will I be able to see the solar farm?In general, solar panels are no more than 12 feet and low-lying. For BNRG Shessy, the local topography, combined with hedgerows, buffer zones, solar panel set-backs from public roads and new planting and fencing, will help screen the solar array panels.
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Why are solar energy systems important for communities?Solar energy provides electricity to homes and businesses using only the sun's rays. This renewable energy does not use fossil fuels, is a quiet neighbour to nearby farms, fields, and homes, and does not generate emissions, traffic, or odour. Solar energy is a cost-effective, clean green energy source. Ireland has set a target of generating 80% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Solar energy is projected to be a major contributor to this target. BNRG Shessy will help meet these national targets by delivering 120MW* of clean solar energy.
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Will the solar farm affect the local wildlife and habitats?BNRG Shessy is committed to protecting the local environment. A wide range of assessments and surveys will identify areas of conservation and inform the design of the solar farm. This will include a Biodiversity Enhancement Management Plan that will survey bats, birds, habitats and flora. We will ensure this solar farm supports biodiversity and wildlife during its operation. Hedgerows and planting will provide shelter and ensure a wildlife pathway corridor will be protected. Solar farms often provide shelter to wildlife, whilst sheep grazing can continue to take place on the land.
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How will you protect the local heritage and architecture?South-East Galway is an important historical area. With a focus on preserving local heritage, an Archaeology Impact Assessment will survey historical sites of interest. This will include in-depth research and archaeological experts on site. Local heritage and archaeological features will be mapped, and generous mitigations put in place across both sites as necessary.
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How will construction and traffic be managed during the build?As the solar panels are located on private lands, there will be minimal disruption during the up to 9 month build, with limited heavy construction time and access to local houses, farms and businesses maintained. A comprehensive Traffic Management Plan will be submitted as part of the planning process to ensure that steady traffic flow can continue throughout the construction phase of the solar development. Our Community Liaison Officer David Linnane will be available to respond to any queries during the construction phase.
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Is this solar farm being developed in conjunction with other solar farms in the local area?No. BNRG Shessy is a standalone project, developed by BNRG Renewables who are not associated with other solar projects in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Stay informed
If you wish to know more about BNRG Shessy, please reach out to our dedicated Community Liaison Officer (CLO), David Linnane here
Public consultation
We want to hear your views on the proposed solar development. We will hold a public consultation clinic on Wednesday, 18 June 2025 at Kinvara Community Centre. Please sign up here if you wish to attend.
News
We are committed to keeping you informed about BNRG Shessy.
Latest project news is available to view here