LATEST: Biomethane plant proposed for Kildare is refused planning permission

Kildare County Council (KCC) has today (October 6) refused planning permission for a proposed biogas development in Ballyvass, which is located near Castledermot.

The announcement follows after energy company CycleO (stylised as CycleØ) first submitted a planning permission application in relation to the development for back in August.

However, nearly as soon as the proposed development was first announced at the start of the year, it faced opposition from locals.

Concerns ranged from the impact on the biodiversity of the area to an increase in traffic congestion.

This led to a spokesperson for the CycleO Group to respond to a series of questions submitted by the radio station KFM back in February. These questions highlighted concerns surrounding the Kildare project.

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UPDATE

And now, KCC has revealed that it has officially turned down the England-based energy company.

According to KCC's notice of refusal to CycleO, it cited traffic and sustainable development concerns, in addition to potential damaging effects the project could have on nearby waterbodies.

Concluding its letter, KCC said: "To this end and having regard to the information received with the application, the Planning Authority is not satisfied that the proposed development, alone or in combination with other projects would not be likely to have a significant impact on the integrity of the European Site River Barrow Nore SAC (site code 002162) and would therefore be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area."

News about the refusal was welcomed by the Ballyvass Biogas Community Working Group, which shared a lengthy statement detailing its thoughts with the Leinster Leader.

A spokesperson for the group said: "On behalf of the Ballyvass Biogas Community Group, we, the working group, would like to sincerely thank everyone who made submissions opposing the proposed biogas plant at Ballyvass.

"From the very beginning, we believed this development was entirely unsuitable for our area.

"The substandard road infrastructure, the scale of industrialisation, 12 acres in a rural countryside setting and the proximity to key environmental and heritage sites made this the wrong location for such a facility."

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'VERY PLEASED'

They continued: "The community said no, and now KCC has said no; we are very pleased that the council’s planning department has refused the application outright, with no request for further information.

"Their decision reflects the key issues raised: inadequate road access, proximity to the motorway, ecological sensitivity, and the site’s closeness to important heritage landmarks such as Kilkea Castle and the historic town of Castledermot.

"We have always maintained that the traffic impact alone would be devastating—and thankfully, the planning department listened to the voice of the people.

"We hope the developers accept this decision and choose not to appeal to An Bord Pleanála."

The spokesperson also asserted: "However, should they do so, we will be ready."

CLARIFICATION

They further said: "We want to emphasise that we are not opposed to biogas or renewable energy, but these projects must be developed in appropriate locations with suitable infrastructure; Ballyvass is simply not such a location.

"The area’s limited road network, potential risks to road safety and local ecology, and its importance for tourism and employment make it wholly unsuitable.

"After a seven-month campaign, we extend our deepest thanks to everyone who contributed — our planning consultant, local residents, community committees, primary schools, and businesses in Castledermot and the surrounding area. Every single submission made a difference.

"We also wish to thank all local representatives and TDs who supported us and lodged submissions; your names can be found on KCC’s planning reference 2560920 for those wishing to see the full record of support."

The spokesperson concluded the statement by saying: "Thank you all once again for standing together to protect our community."

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