Benefits

The benefits of Renewable Energy

The change to renewable energy allows for a move away from burning fossil fuels, to green renewable energy sources. In addition to tackling climate change, Renewable energy provides further benefits such as cleaner air, financial and energy security into the future. The change also provides financial security into the future on a national level. Once built, the fuel is free and the exposure to variable fossil fuel prices is removed. The cost of energy into the future for the country is cheaper and known now well into the future, without increases and fluctuations. Ireland’s climate action targets and the increased use of renewable energy will ensure that Ireland has a secure, economical, and renewable energy resources for future generations

Community

The Foxhall project team will be proactively initiating the forming of a Community Benefit Fund, which will be administered by the local community, to support local initiatives and causes.

Foxhall Energy will be actively seeking community input on how the fund should be structured, managed and distributed. The fund would commence once the wind and solar park becomes operational (estimated 2029 if planning permission is granted).

Financial Security

The average wholesale price of electricity in Ireland in May 2026 was €144.52 per megawatt-hour. On the days with the highest levels of wind generation, average wholesale electricity prices fell to €117.12 per megawatt-hour. By contrast, prices rose to €178.34 on days when imported fossil fuels made up most of the country’s electricity mix. (Wind Energy Ireland Report)

The wind energy generated in Ireland in 2024 cut our natural gas import bill by €1.2 billion. That is money that stays in Ireland, supporting Irish jobs and communities. (WEI Report)

Energy Security

The proposed development represents a significant opportunity to support our renewable energy targets, and contribute meaningfully to long‑term security of supply for the Republic of Ireland.

The war in Ukraine, and other geopolitical instabilities have highlighted the exposure and impact that Ireland’s current reliance on imported fuels has on our economy.

Clean Energy

Wind and solar energy provide a clean, sustainable, and reliable alternative to oil and gas. Investing in renewables today ensures lasting benefits for both present and future generations.

Wind energy provided 42 per cent of Ireland’s power in February 2026, making it Ireland’s leading source of electricity that month. (WEI)

Government & EU targets

The proposed wind and solar park will contribute to the transition towards a low carbon, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable economy. This is in line with national policies and objectives such as the ‘Climate Action Plan’ (2025), Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act (2021) and various policies.

The Irish Government’s Climate Action Plan aims to produce up to 80% of the country’s electricity from renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, by 2030. This will be achieved through a mix of 5 GW from offshore wind, 9 GW from onshore wind and 8 GW from solar PV.

FAQ

1. Where will the project be built?

Site Layout is still to be determined and will be informed by community consultation and environmental surveys within the townlands of Cappanaghtan, Derrew, Drumeyre, Eskerboy, Foxhall, Foxhall Little, Liscoyle, and Lurganshanny.

2. What is the project Timeline?

Environmental Surveys are ongoing currently, with a planned application submission date in 2027. Depending on when a planning consent is provided, it will take approximately 18 months to 2 years to build and mobilise the project.

3. What is the Community Benefit Fund?

A Community Benefit Fund will be established by the wind and solar park. The local community will be key to determining how it is to be invested locally. The fund will be distributed in line with the Government’s RESS 2 requirements on Community Benefit Funds.

4. Will there be any shadow flicker?

A “zero shadow flicker” strategy will be implemented using turbine control software to cease turbine operation during periods when shadow flicker is predicted to occur.

5. Does Solar actually work in Ireland?

Yes, Solar PV absolutely works in Ireland. Solar panels generate electricity whenever there is daylight, meaning they continue to operate even on cloudy or overcast days. While output is naturally lower in these conditions and won’t reach the panels’ maximum rated capacity, they still produce clean, renewable energy throughout the year.

6. How will the energy be connected to the national electricity grid?

This project will not involve the construction of any new overhead lines or pylons. A new substation will be constructed to connect to the existing network in the area.