Landowners take time to assess pros and cons of solar on their land

Farmer and green energy investor Tommy Cooke says farmers near electricity substations see the value of solar, but others are more hesitant. He talks to Rita de Brún

Tommy Cooke, on his farm in Grange, Thurles, Co Tipperary, supports Ireland’s renewable energy push, but adds: “There’s a fundamental distrust of the planning system being fair; this is something that many developers would also agree is true. ” Pictures: Patrick Browne

Farmland is an emotive topic. A time thief if you let it. Of evocative remembering. Of seasonal sowing and music. Of laughter and tractors and hay. 

But when the solar developers come calling, change comes calling: The mind jolts from the familiarity of home life on the farm, to pastures new: The call of the planet to reach carbon neutral in a hurry.