Solar transformation brings a green boost to Ryanair chief's farm

Michael O’Leary insists that State grants for solar panels should be fast-tracked to help farmers reduce their carbon footprint

Michael O’Leary with Adrian Casey and Joe Freyne of Swyft Energy at his farm in Gigginstown, Co Westmeath. Photo: Thomas Gibbons

Michael O’Leary has begun the green transformation of his midlands farm and insists State grants for solar panels should be fast-tracked to help farmers reduce their carbon footprint. 

The Ryanair CEO invested just over €140,000 installing solar panels and 90kW of batteries at his 2,000-acre Gigginstown estate outside Mullingar, Co Westmeath. The 231-panel Swyft Energy system is one of the country’s biggest agri-solar installations, capable of generating up to 100,000kWh of electricity a year. But the airline boss, 63, insists the grant format should speed up to help farmers who want to reduce their reliance on the national grid.