Coca-Cola confirms plans for a major development at Ballina site

Coca-Cola Ballina has confirmed it plans to submit an application to Mayo County Council for a 20.4MW solar farm on land owned by the company at the rear of its manufacturing facility on the outskirts of the town.

The proposed development is located just off the French Road and its location be seen outlined in white on the map below.

The company said of the proposed development; “If approved, the proposed development would reinforce the facility’s position at the forefront of sustainability globally. The solar farm once fully operational will produce 85% of the site’s current electrical demand, a significant step towards the facilities transition to 100% renewable energy by 2027.”

“The low- rise nature of the solar panels and the extensive landscaping and planting that is planned would ensure that the proposed solar farm blends in with the scenic landscape while also encouraging biodiversity in the local area.”

“This investment follows Coca-Cola Ballina's recognition by the World Economic Forum as one of the world’s most advanced manufacturers for its efforts to advance sustainability - it was added to the WEF Global Lighthouse Network last year. The sustainability journey of the facility since 2020 has led to a 36% reduction in energy use while production output increased by 10%, bringing energy consumption levels back to 2006 levels.”