One of Ireland’s largest solar farms has been proposed for north Kerry, with the project being developed by local farmers on their own land and “like-minded neighbours' land”.
Knockanure Renewables Ltd, which has three Kerry-based directors - Tim Leahy (Listowel), Dermot Clancy (Listowel) and Timothy Ahern (Moyvane) - has applied for planning permission to build an 860ac solar farm approximately 7.5km from the town of Listowel.
The company says it was established by local farmers to secure planning permission for a solar farm on their own lands and on the land of like-minded neighbours around the Knockanure area.
According to the application, around 70% of the solar farm will be built on grassland, meaning that the land can continue to be used for agricultural purposes where appropriate. Smaller livestock such as sheep or chickens may graze around the solar panels.
The company is seeking 10-year planning permission for the development. The planning application was first submitted in December 2025, but was deemed incomplete. A revised application was submitted in February 2026.
Objections
So far, the application has received two objections. Mossie and Philomena Molyneaux of Gortromagowna, Knockanure, Kerry, objected to the project citing concerns about a potential drop in the value of their property, increased traffic, noise and changes to the local landscape.
Ashley and Barry FitzGerald of Gortdromagownagh, Knockanure, Moyvane, also lodged an objection. In their submission, they state they are local residents centrally located within the proposed development area.
They say that if planning permission is granted, the development would have a detrimental effect on their family home and quality of life, with solar panels surrounding their property to the front and rear.
Their objection also raises concerns about the scale of the project, visual impact, traffic, noise, wildlife impacts, potential effects on local heritage and possible glint and glare from the solar panels.
A decision is due next month.
SHARING OPTIONS