At Clongowes, we have taken a major step forward in our commitment to sustainability with the launch of our new ground-mounted solar farm, located just behind the Vinny Murray Park (VMP) astro pitch. This exciting development will provide a significant portion of our electricity needs and stands as a strong symbol of our responsibility to care for the environment.
The project was made possible through the generous support of two of our current parents, Nigel and Sharon Reams, to whom we are deeply grateful.
We marked the official opening and blessing of the solar farm on April 10th with a special ceremony presided over by Fr Provincial Shane Daly SJ. “Caring for our Common Home” is one of the Universal Apostolic Preferences of the Jesuits, and this project brings that value to life in a very real and visible way. The event took place on a beautifully sunny day—fitting for a celebration of solar energy—and was attended by members of our Green Schools Committee, staff, and guests.
The solar farm might seem like a small gesture in the face of the global ecological crisis, but Pope Francis reminds us of the importance of the ‘Ecology of Daily Life’—where even small, local actions can have a real impact on quality of life and our shared home. This is both a symbolic and practical gift, and we are deeply thankful to Nigel and Sharon for their generosity.
Fr Shane Daly,
Provincial
Our Headmaster, Chris Lumb, spoke at the event, saying:
“The solar farm represents a very significant step forward in our strategic plan to embed green practices across the College. It signals our strong commitment to sustainability, to using energy wisely, and to protecting the planet for future generations. The project was made possible by the incredible generosity of Nigel and Sharon Reams, and we are truly thankful. This investment also strengthens the great work being done by our student-led Green Schools Committee, who continue to lead initiatives on water conservation, sustainable travel, and food waste reduction.”
We’re proud to say that our solar farm is the largest of its kind in any school in Ireland. It covers 0.44 hectares (1.1 acres) and includes 520 ground-mounted panels. With a peak output of 285 kWh, it’s expected to generate around 270,000 kWh of electricity each year—helping us avoid approximately 87 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.
Speaking at the launch, Nigel Reams said:
“Sharon and I are honoured to be part of this important step in the school’s journey. Supporting the solar farm felt like a natural way to give back. It’s inspiring to see Clongowes taking real action to care for our planet and instilling those values in the next generation. We’re proud to play a small part in that bigger picture.”
At Clongowes, we believe that sustainability is not just an aspiration—it’s a shared responsibility. This project is a meaningful step on our journey, and we’re hopeful that it will encourage further awareness and action within our community and beyond.
