Plan for major hydro-electric power plant in Tipperary that could power 185,000 homes
Plans have been lodged for exploratory works that could see a major hydro-electric plant developed in Tipperary which would reportedly power 185,000 homes.
Siga-Hydro Limited have applied to An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP) for planning permission for ground investigation works for their planned Silvermines Hydro project, with the plant stretching across the townlands of Castlecranna, Garryard West, Gorteenadiha, Gortshaneroe, Shallee, and Shallee Upper and Lower.
As a strategic infrastructure project, a pre-application submission was submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála rather than through the local authority.
It is expected that a full planning application for the project will be submitted in 2027.
The current plans before the commission are seeking permission for the completion of a programme of ground investigation works.
The works will see “the collection of 16 hand augured soil samples and one rotary percussion hydrogeological borehole,” according to a site notice.
The overall plans for the plant would see a hydroelectric pumped storage power project, including two 220kV substations and grid connection to the national transmission network and all associated infrastructure installed.
Under the future plans, the existing mine pit lake would be used as the lower reservoir, while a new, upper reservoir would be created higher up in the mountain.
If approved, the Silvermines Hydro development would become only the second pumped-storage hydroelectric project in Ireland, following the commissioning of Turlough Hill in Wicklow in 1974.
According to their website, Siga-Hydro say that the plant would be able to power more than 185,000 homes, or 21,000 small businesses in Ireland every day.
The company said the plant would “improve Ireland’s energy security” and help keep the grid stable while reducing electricity costs.
The facility would generate electricity by releasing water from an upper reservoir to a lower reservoir, with power produced as the water flows downhill.
The plant would also have a visitor centre, offering people the chance to learn about hydro-electric power, as well as the mining history of the Silvermines area.
According to files in support of the application, the Silvermines Hydro project will be located on the northern slope of the Silvermines Mountain, around 10 kilometres outside Nenagh.
Siga-Hydro was formed in 2023, and is a joint venture company owned by SIERA Capital Partners and the Foresight Group. The company was formed to accelerate the delivery of the Silvermines Hydro project.
The project is co-funded by the European Union, being considered as important within the European energy market, according to documents.
The company claims the project would benefit local biodiversity, fostering a more diverse ecosystem.
“By incorporating a variety of native plant species and creating new habitats, the development will support the regeneration of local flora and fauna, providing critical resources such as food, shelter, and nesting sites for wildlife,” they said.
Planning documents state that the development could also improve trail access and scenic amenities.
“The proposed development offers the potential to enhance existing trails along the ridgetop summit, including trail upgrades and viewpoints overlooking the upper reservoir and the wider landscape.
“Views from these elevated lands above the upper reservoir have the potential to enhance the degree of scenic amenity afforded here,” the group added.
There is the opportunity to install an upper reservoir viewpoint, as well as improving accessibility and signage along the trail.
An Coimisiún Pleanála are due to make a decision on the groundwork plans by September 24.