Controversial Mayo biogas facility refused planning
There was intense opposition to the project.
Plans for a contentious agricultural biogas facility near Swinford have been rejected by An Bord Pleanala.
The proposed development by Moy Valley Biogas Ltd was due to comprise of the construction of an anaerobic digester on 4ha site, with two primary digester tanks.
The plans stated that the tanks would comprise of a reinforced concrete tank with a double membrane roof cover.
The plant was also to have two post digester (secondary) tanks with pump room, comprising a reinforced concrete tank with a double membrane roof cover. It was to have a diameter of 26 metres and a total height of nine metres above ground level, It was also to contain a proposed pasteurisation unit within a transport container set on concrete stands of 39 metres in length and height of 3.2 metres, with three auxiliary tanks set on steel frames and seven metres in height.
The application was previously turned down by Mayo County Council.
A number of observations opposing the project were submitted to An Bord Pleanala.
Observations included that the development was in the “wrong location” as it would be too close to residential properties and Swinford town.
There were also concerns expressed about potential odours from the plant.
An Bord Pleanala upheld Mayo County Council’s original decision. The appeals board found the site is located on a minor country road that is seriously substandard in terms of width and alignment. Traffic generated by the proposed development would endanger public safety by reason of traffic hazard and obstruction of road users.
An Bord Pleanal stated the site is accessible from the heavily trafficked N5, where a 100kph speed limit applies, and traffic turning movements would interfere with the safety and free flow of traffic.
It was deemed that the development would necessitate significant and excessive improvements to the local road network. It had not been satisfactorily demonstrated that mitigation measures to restrict movements to and from the N5 would be effective.
The board also found that on the basis of information provided, including the Natura impact statement, it was not satisfied that the proposal would not be likely to have a significant effect on the River Moy Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
