'Seriously concerned': Kildare solar farm plans called into question
The comments were made by a Kildare-based TD
Plans for a solar farm in County Kildare have been called into question by a politician based in Kildare Town.
Sinn Féin Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh made the comments on social media in relation to the proposed solar farm for Maganey, which has been spearheaded by renewable energy company BNRG.
Her statement comes after local residents hosted a meeting last week to raise their concerns over the proposed development.
And now, Deputy Ní Raghallaigh has voiced similar concerns over BNRG’s plans.
She explained: “My office has been inundated with queries and concerns from residents surrounding the proposed solar farm at Maganey.
“I am seriously concerned at the lack of consultation that has taken place to date with residents and am enquiring about this matter at the moment.”
The Deputy continued: “Ireland urgently needs clear, robust and enforceable planning guidelines for large-scale solar developments.”
She also claimed: “Despite a commitment to bring them forward as part of the programme for government, communities across Ireland are watching as solar is popping up despite no guidelines.”
‘ESSENTIAL’ TRANSITION
Furthermore, Deputy Ní Raghallaigh said: “Nobody disputes the need to expand renewable energy and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels; the transition to clean energy is essential, but it must be done fairly, transparently and with the support of the communities expected to host these developments.
“Too often local residents feel they are being asked to carry the burden while others reap the rewards.”
She also alleged: “The reality is that multinational companies can purchase hundreds of acres, generate significant revenues and export profits elsewhere, while the people living beside these developments see no direct economic benefit whatsoever.”
The Deputy concluded: “That model is neither fair nor sustainable; that is why the government must urgently introduce comprehensive solar planning guidelines that put communities at the heart of decision-making.”
BPRG has been contacted by the Leinster Leader in relation to Deputy Ní Raghallaigh comments.
UPDATE — Thursday, September 17, 2026, 12.00pm — A spokesperson for BPRG responded to the Leader’s request for comment and had this to say: “BNRG is an Irish renewable energy company with nearly 20 years’ experience in developing solar farms in partnership with local communities.
“We are committed to developing a best-in-class project at BNRG Maganey that could generate sufficient energy to power over 14,000 homes whilst remaining suitable for continuing agricultural use such as grazing sheep.”
The spokesperson added: “Community consultation is an important part of how BNRG develops its projects; over the course of several months, we have engaged extensively with local residents and elected representatives, including through our dedicated Community Liaison Officer, a public information clinic in Castledermot, and one-to-one engagements with many local residents and landowners, as well as a leaflet drop, advertising in local newspapers online and in print, and a dedicated website.
The spokesperson concluded: “We are grateful for the feedback received through that engagement and will continue to engage with the local community as appropriate during the planning process.”
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.