Plans for an agricultural biogas facility south west of Swinford, Co. Mayo have been refused by An Bord Pleanála.
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.
It was to have a diameter of 26 metres and total height of nine metres above ground level, with usable volume of 3,160m3.
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 total height of nine metres above ground level, usable volume of 4,300m3.
It was also to contain a proposed pasteurisation unit within a transport container set on concrete stands of 39 metres in length and total height of 3.2 metres, with three auxiliary tanks set on steel frames and seven metres in height.
An Bord Pleanála
In its final decision, the appeals board found that the local road in which the plant would be located was “substandard” in terms of structural strength, surface condition, capacity and width, would pose a traffic hazard and endanger public safety.
The decision stated that the development would be “premature” pending the improvement of these constraints, specifically with regard to the increase in traffic generated.
The biogas development was to be located close to a junction on the N5, considered to be a “high collision accident location”.
A total of 15 observations were received by the board to reiterate in detail the issues raised during the initial planning application process.
One of the observations submitted stated that the development was in the “wrong location”, as it was deemed “too close” to houses, too close to Swinford, resulting in a visual impact to the surrounding area.
Another group observed that the production of odours from the plant would impact on amenities and health of people living in the locality.
The board also found that the proposed development could impact the Spaddagh River and its ecology, with no reference is made to the Water Framework Directive.