As the airport is ready for more than two million passengers in 2024, Shannon Airport Authority DAC is presenting five proposals to Clare County Council, of which the solar farm application is just one.

In response to the growing number of passengers, the airport operator has submitted planning proposals for the extension of its five departure gates at the terminal building as well as 1,051 more parking spots.

According to a TOBIN planning assessment that is attached to the application for permission to build a solar farm, Shannon airport will gain from the solar farm “by providing a sustainable source of energy, reducing costs, and promoting environmental sustainability.”

“By generating a sustainable source of energy, the airport can ensure uninterrupted access to electricity and reduce its reliance on traditional fossil fuels,” Project Planner Seán Greene of TOBIN Consulting Engineers told the Council.

The proposed solar farm location is close to Taxiway 12 at the airport, and an engineering analysis by TOBIN shows that there is space next to the solar farm site that might be used for additional solar farm construction. This space is larger than the original 5.5-acre site.

The proposed solar farm “is a critical step towards achieving Shannon Airport Authority DAC's sustainability goals,” according to Mr. Green's statement to the Council.

Furthermore, he informed the Council that Shannon Airport "can demonstrate its commitment to environmental stewardship while reaping the benefits of clean energy generation" by using renewable energy sources like solar power.

According to Mr. Green, the installation of the projected solar farm will “showcase” the airport's commitment to lessening its environmental effect.