First step for local biogas proposal
Pre-application consultation over Ballymackey facility
The proposed construction of a controversial biogas plant outside Nenagh has been referred to An Coimisiún Pleanála.
Tipperary Milling Co Unlimited Company has sought a pre-application consultation over a proposed three-stage purpose-built anaerobic digestate treatment facility at Woodville, Ballymackey. The applicant has notified An Coimisiún Pleanála of the proposal and has sought a determination that may lead to a planning application dealt with directly by the commission, rather than Tipperary Co Council.
The Ballymackey Biogas Concern Group, which was set up earlier this year in opposition to the proposal, has described the move as the first step in the planning process for what would be the biggest biogas plant in Ireland.
Pre-application consultations aim to ensure that the applicant is aware of the correct procedures to follow in making a planning application and has an opportunity to consider proper planning and sustainable development, as well as impact on the environment and habitats.
The consultations also allow An Coimisiún Pleanála to advise an applicant if there are specific issues with the proposal. The commission may advise the applicant on public consultation.
A recent public meeting organised by the Ballymackey Biogas Concern Group heard of widespread local concerns about the proposal. These included the size of the proposed facility and the volume of processing that would take place there, resulting in as many as 80 additional HGV journeys per day on local roads.
Further concerns were expressed over odour and air emissions, risk of explosion, and risk to water and biodiversity.
The group vowed to fight the proposal and set up workshops to help people make objections in the event of a planning application being lodged.
The application for pre-planning consultation was made last month. There is no time limit for its completion.
The applicant can ask An Coimisiún Pleanála to consider whether the development would be of strategic economic or social importance, or meets certain other criteria to be considered as a strategic infrastructure development. If the commission considers the proposal to be a strategic infrastructure development, it is open to the applicant to make a planning application to An Coimisiún Pleanála. If the commission gives notice that the proposed development does not meet the necessary criteria to be considered as strategic development, the planning application must be made in the normal way to the local planning authority.