Once constructed a substantial Community Benefit Fund will support positive local initiatives and activities in Roscommon
A key milestone in the development of a county Roscommon solar farm will be reached later this month when EDF power solutions Ireland begins construction of Taduff Solar Park.
Once completed, the c.80MW solar farm, located c.6km southwest of Athlone, will power c.20,000 homes with secure, domestically-produced renewable electricity and make a significant contribution to achieving Ireland’s 2030 climate targets.[1]
The solar farm is expected to be constructed and operational by Spring 2028, at which point a Community Benefit Fund worth c.€180,000 per annum will be established. Monies from this independently administered fund will then be allocated on an annual basis for a period of 15 years to support positive community initiatives and activities. Once constructed, the project will also make a significant contribution to the local economy through the payment of annual commercial rates to Roscommon County Council.
EDF power solutions Ireland currently operates three solar farms in Wexford and Kilkenny. Since 2023, schools, community groups and youth organisations in the two counties have benefitted from almost €100,000 of funding to create sensory gardens, refurbish sports facilities and rejuvenate local amenities.
Paul Gallagher, Head of Onshore Technologies at EDF power solutions Ireland, said: “We’re delighted to be starting construction of Taduff Solar Park. This is a major milestone for a project that will help improve Ireland’s energy security and sovereignty, while also reducing carbon emissions and the country’s overreliance on fossil fuels.
“Solar energy is an increasingly important part of Ireland’s energy mix, and EDF power solutions has led the way in Ireland, connecting some of the country’s first grid-scale solar farms back in 2023. Taduff Solar Park builds on this solar success story, and we’re committed to working closely with local groups and stakeholders to ensure the benefits of the project are shared across the community.
“Once the project is operational there will be a significant Community Benefit Fund of c.€180,000, and we would encourage community groups and organisations to consider what local initiatives they believe could benefit from these funds.”
EDF power solutions Ireland is working closely with Roscommon County Council, engineering contractors, and local stakeholders to safely deliver the project and to minimise disruption during the construction phase. Initial details of the construction timeline have been shared with residents, as well as contact details for the project’s Community Liaison Officer, and regular updates will continue to be provided.
Members of the public who would like to receive these updates as construction of the project progresses are encouraged to sign up for text and email alerts by emailing taduffsolarpark@edf-power.com, or see https://www.edf-powersolutions.ie/our-sites/taduff for more information.
[1] SEAI Energy in Ireland Report, December 2020, Section.7.3.1, Table.33
