Over 420 people have say on huge €100m gas plan for Limerick

DOZENS of farmers have thrown their support behind controversial plans for a biomethane plant in Limerick at the 11th hour.

While over 330 people have objected to the €100m plans from British green energy firm CycleØ to develop on land near Bruree, there was a surge in support for the plan as the deadline for those to have their say arrived.

CycleØ wants to construct what it describes as an “anaerobic digestion facility” to produce renewable biomethane gas, CO2 and fertiliser from organic material.

The development would stretch across a vast site and would also include a pump house, digestive storage tank, a boiler, a gas treatment room and safety flare.

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Planners are scheduled to decide on whether the project can go ahead next week. It has elicited one of the largest responses to a planning application in recent years, with a total of 423 groups and individuals having their say.

The Limerick Biogas Concern Group, set up to campaign against the these proposals, says the “overwhelming” number of people who have written to council have done so in opposition to the proposals.

Their concerns centre around a rise in heavy goods vehicles in the local area, fears of a decline in air quality, plus ongoing odour and noise pollution.

Devaluation of local properties, and insurance concerns also feature.

“This isn’t about saying no to renewable energy. It’s about making sure it’s done responsibly and in the right place. This facility is far too close to people’s homes and would bring year-round disruption to people’s lives,” said Declan Sexton, a local resident.

In the days leading up to the April 27 deadline for people to have their say on the plans, there was a surge in people writing to urge council to approve plans.

At least 60 people have written in support, many of whom have identified themselves as farmers.

Among the places they are drawn from are Ballyagran, Bruree, Athlacca, Granagh, Bruff and Kilfinny.

Support for the plans has also come from people with addresses at Hyde Road and John Carew Park in the city.

Many of the submissions to council were similarly worded, focusing on the facility providing a “valuable and sustainable solution” for the management of farm manures and slurries.

“The availability of a local anaerobic digestion facility would make it easier for farmers to manage organic waste in a way that is efficient, environmentally responsible and aligned with future agricultural policy,” one of the submissions reads.

One farm director wrote the facility “represents a vital piece of national infrastructure”.

Others in support of the proposals have outlined the jobs it could generate, and the benefit existing businesses will feel.

“I support the farmers who produce the food we eat. We must support them otherwise we have no future,” one person added.

Another man said the development has helped his family decide to move to Limerick from Wales to farm.

A CycleØ spokesperson said: “We are confident our submission demonstrates that the plant will be a professionally and safely run plant, with minimal impact on the local environment."