Company behind controversial biogas facility in Tullamore want to be 'good neighbours'

The company behind an anaerobic digestion (AD) facility that has been the subject of strong local opposition have welcomed planning approval from An Bord Pleanala, saying "deployment of AD plants in Ireland is urgently needed."

Strategic Power received approval from An Bord Pleanala to install the AD plant at Ballyduff, Tullamore, last week. It is just the third facility of its kind to be approved in Ireland in the last year.

Residents on the Rahan Road, however, say they are "shocked and amazed" at the decision and are adamant that it will not go ahead.

"We will not stand for this apparent blatant disregard for the opinions of the common man over big business," said Paschal Fox, the Chair of Rahan Road Residents Association who lodged an objection to the development.

Offaly County Council originally refused to grant permission for the facility in January 2021 but that decision was appealed to An Bord Pleanala who have now granted permission despite the local authority refusal and public opposition. Fianna Fail TD Barry Cowen TD also added his name to the list of those objecting to the proposal at the time.

The development will consist of a renewable biogas facility that will inject BioMethane into the local GNI gas network.  Renewable biogas will be captured during anaerobic digestion of agricultural feedstocks, upgraded to BioMethane and injected into the GNI pipe network.

The plant will be fed approximately 50,000 tonnes of feedstock that will primarily be sourced from local farms within 10Km of the site. The proposed development will not accept any municipal waste, Strategic Power told the Offaly Express.

The residents say a "minimum of 30 loads of farm manure per day will be carried into the site by trucks. The fertiliser will then be brought out to be spread on surrounding farms."

Strategic Power said: "The development will provide a nutrient-rich digestate which will be used as an organic bio-fertiliser, which will be returned to the supply farms fully closing the circular economy model and reducing the requirement for imported chemical/synthetic fertilisers.

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"The plant will produce 40GWh of renewable gas per year which will be sold to through suppliers to consumers – domestic and industrial gas users. The BioMethane can also be used a low emissions fuel for heavy goods vehicles."

Residents also raised concerns last week about the potential of the site attracting vermin, the 24/7 operating times of the plant and the fear of a fire or explosion.

Paschal Fox said: "We are adamant that the proposed activity cannot be conducted at this site nor in the environs of any town in Ireland, no matter how well designed and operated, without significant, environmental impacts occurring. We are determined to have the people of the town’s opinions heard before it is too late. We are convinced that preventing the development is the only viable option."

In a statement issued to the Offaly Express this week, Paul Carson, Managing Director, Strategic Power said: “We are incredibly encouraged by the outcome of this planning decision. The deployment of AD plants in Ireland is urgently needed in order to meet its target for 20% renewable gas on the network by 2030.

“When operational, the development at Tullamore will have a positive and long-term impact on the local, regional and national economy.  It will generate direct and indirect employment as well as bringing tremendous wider benefits to the agriculture industry.

“The site at Ballyduff was selected after careful consideration of all environmental aspects and we are delighted that An Bord Pleanala have endorsed our assessment that this is an acceptable site for an Agri AD plant. We are aware of the concerns of local residents and are committed to operating as good neighbours.

PICTURED: Paul Carson, Managing Director, Strategic Power

“We are developing this Agri AD plant in partnership with Nicholas Molloy, a progressive young farmer based on the edge of Tullamore town. Nicholas has recently built a successful dairy unit and quickly expanded it alongside his already substantial tillage and beet operation. We are fortunate to work with Nicholas on this project – his expertise, commitment and support throughout the design and planning process has been tremendous and we look forward to building on that relationship through the long-term supply arrangement for the plant.”

Outlining their reasons for granting permission An Bord Pleanala said it took into consideration the requirement for an Anaerobic Digester Plant to be subject to and regulated under an industrial emissions licence to be issued by the Environmental Protection Agency.

It said it also noted the pattern of existing and permitted development in the vicinity of the site, the location of the proposed development on lands on the outskirts of Tullamore and its close proximity to the source of agricultural feedstock material. It took account of the proximity of the site to the Gas Networks Ireland gas network for export of gas.

The Board Inspector proposed that subject to compliance with a number of conditions the development would comprise an acceptable form of energy recovery from primarily agricultural waste. It would also not be prejudicial to public health and would not give rise to a risk of serious pollution or major accident risk.

Under the conditions laid out, the developer will be required to submit an annual report on the operation of the facility to the local planning authority.

The construction phase of the development at Tullamore will be undertaken on a phased basis over a 12-month duration and is expected to be operational in Autumn 2023.