Solar Ireland Responds to Dáil Comments on Solar Farms and TB

Solar Ireland has issued a response following comments made in the Dáil suggesting a potential link between solar farm development and the rise in bovine tuberculosis (TB) in Ireland.

The association has made it clear that there is no scientific or peer-reviewed evidence supporting such a connection. As outlined in recent reports from The Irish Times and the Department of Agriculture, the primary causes of bovine TB remain wildlife transmission and broader land management issues — not renewable energy infrastructure.

Globally, TB incidence is rising for reasons far removed from solar development. The World Health Organization cites population growth, healthcare access, and post-COVID disruption as key contributing factors.

Meanwhile, solar projects are delivering real benefits to rural Ireland:

• Long-term income for farmers

• Locally generated, low-cost electricity

• Pollinator-friendly biodiversity zones

• Community Benefit Funds supporting schools, clubs and services

Solar farms are subject to strict planning and environmental assessments. Many are exploring agri-PV solutions that allow food and energy production to share the same land.

“Ireland’s solar industry is helping to deliver real progress on energy, climate, and rural development,” said Ronan Power, CEO of Solar Ireland. “Let’s ensure that we have the full facts prior to any potentially harmful assertions being made — especially when those assertions risk slowing our climate progress and penalising rural communities who are actively helping to deliver it.”

Read the full statement here.

Image: Beaulieu Solar Farm, courtesy of Power Capital Renewable Energy