Objections to planned biomethane plant in Limerick up five-fold in a week

OBJECTIONS from locals to a proposed biomethane plant in south Limerick have increased five-fold in just a week.

Almost 100 people have written to council planners expressing opposition to the proposals from CycleØ.

The green energy firm, based in London, is seeking permission to develop on land near Bruree.

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

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

As of this Tuesday afternoon, a total of 96 people had objected to an application to council.

It came after the Limerick Biogas Concern Group was set up to highlight concerns over the proposal.

Group spokesperson Bernie Carroll said of the number of objections: “It just shows the concern people have and the support our campaign has received. It has pretty much exploded in the last couple of weeks.”

She said people are “overwhelmed” and “afraid”.

“The biggest thing is the location. The road network is so poor. Now they want to add in all this extra traffic. People are afraid they will not be able to go for walks, they will not be able to cross the road,” she said.

“Already pulling out of our junction to get on the Bruff line is pretty dangerous with all the cars driving up and down,” added Ms Carroll.

There are fears over the demand the development will please on the electrical supply and contamination of the local water supply.

For its part, CycleØ has carried out an environmental impact assessment which shows no negative effect on local wildlife or eco-systems.

A decision is due by May 18.