The operator of Dublin Airport has lodged plans for a photovoltaic solar farm on a site southwest of the airfield. The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) has lodged plans in recent days with Fingal County Council for the renewable energy project.
The 26.7 acre site is bounded by St Margaret's Road, Harristown Lane and South Parallel Road in the townland of Shanganhill located close to Dublin Airport Logistics Park.
A DAA spokesman said on Wednesday the solar farm would generate electricity for the airport.
“If permitted, the installation will support DAA’s sustainability goals as well as compliance with regulatory energy and carbon emissions targets,” he said. “It would supply 8.1 per cent of Dublin Airport’s overall energy requirements and 11.7 per cent of its electrical requirements.”
He wouldn’t be drawn on the capital cost of the project, noting it was commercially sensitive as it had not yet gone to tender.
The spokesman said the DAA has committed to 10 per cent of the airport’s electricity being produced on site through renewable generation by 2030.
“This is one fundamental step on the path to net zero emissions by 2050 for DAA and the further use of renewable energy will be an essential part of this.”
Subject to planning permission, the authority hopes to begin work on the solar farm towards the end of the year, though that is also contingent on discussions with the Commission for Regulation of Utilities and ESB Networks.
Any third parties wishing to make submissions to Fingal County Council on the scheme have until March 10th to do so.
A decision is due on the application in late March.
