Dairygold Co-operative Society Ltd., has been granted planning permission for the construction of a new biomass plant in Mitchelstown, Co. Cork.
The plant at Castlefarm Road, would be used for the generation of steam as part of the business’ decarbonisation roadmap.
The development consists of the construction of a single storey woodchip boiler building with a parapet height of 16.237m above ground level and a maximum stack height of 24.735m above ground level,
The development also includes the construction of an extension to the existing yard and associated site works and the co-op already has an industrial emissions licence.
The planning department of Cork County Council decided that subject to compliance with certain conditions, the development “would not be prejudicial to the amenities of the area”.
Conditions for Dairygold biomass plant
There are more than 30 conditions attached to the grant of planning permission for the biomass plant.
Chief among the conditions is a requirement that a maximum of 24,000t/yr of raw (wet) untreated virgin woodchip be processed in the biomass plant.
The biomass supply must comprise forest by-products as outlined in the planning application and the location of the biomass suppliers shall be restricted to the southern region, unless otherwise agreed in writing with the planning authority.
This is “in the interests of clarity, the environment and sustainability,” according to planning department.
Dairygold must also hire an archaeologist to monitor topsoil removal and other groundworks, to ensure the protection of archaeological heritage.
Another condition stipulates that all solid wastes arising on the site be recycled as far as possible. Materials exported from the site for recovery, recycling or disposal must be managed at an approved facility.
Also, no polluting matter shall be allowed to drain from the site and enter any waters on, adjacent to or around the site.
The co-op must also pay a contribution of €18,278 to Cork County Council in respect of public infrastructure and facilities benefiting development in the area.