RES has received approval for the solar farm in Magheralin.

RES has received planning approval for its Magheralin Solar Farm in County Down. The Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council's approval is seen as a significant step towards a cleaner, more affordable energy future for Northern Ireland. Located about 1km southwest of Magheralin, the solar farm will produce enough clean electricity to power 13,600 homes annually and will reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 16,200 tonnes each year compared to fossil fuel generation.

The site was chosen for its solar exposure and its close connection to a viable grid, and it does not fall under any protected environmental or landscape designations. Rachel Buchanan, senior development project manager at RES, stated, “This is a well-designed project which will effectively combine clean, low-cost electricity generation with continued agricultural use and biodiversity enhancement." She expressed satisfaction that the council's planning committee approved the application as recommended.

The project will allow for sheep grazing and support rural economies. Additionally, the vegetation restoration under the solar panels will boost biodiversity and maintain future agricultural viability. The planning application includes a landscape planting plan to mitigate visual impact and create wildlife corridors.

RES noted that the solar farm will also bring local economic benefits and create job opportunities during construction and decommissioning, with the building phase expected to last around 40 weeks, allowing local contractors and workers to get involved.