Lisheen biomethane plant approved as major green energy project moves forward

A major renewable gas project at the former Lisheen mine in Co Tipperary has secured full planning approval from An Coimisiún Pleanála.

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Deputy Michael Lowry confirmed that the authority has granted permission for Nua Bioenergy’s flagship anaerobic digestion and biomethane facility, a development he described as a transformative step for the region and for Ireland’s wider biomethane strategy.

The decision represents a significant endorsement of Ireland’s emerging biomethane sector. The Lisheen site is set to become a central hub for renewable gas production and for activity within the circular bioeconomy.

The project will process sustainable agricultural feedstocks and convert them into biomethane that will feed into the National Gas Network.

According to the developer, the output will support Ireland in meeting its statutory climate commitments under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act, the Climate Action Plan 2024 and the country’s updated Bioeconomy Strategy.

The planning board highlighted the strategic relevance of the scheme, noting its consistency with national and regional decarbonisation goals.

It also pointed to the value of repurposing a substantial brownfield site. Permission covers all core infrastructure including advanced anaerobic digestion systems, biomethane upgrading and compression units, CNG loading facilities and digestate processing equipment.

An Coimisiún Pleanála confirmed that the project had undergone a full Environmental Impact Assessment and Appropriate Assessment.

It concluded that the development will not result in significant negative environmental effects provided the proposed mitigation measures are implemented.

Deputy Lowry said the project will help curb agricultural emissions, strengthen Ireland’s energy security and generate skilled employment as part of the expanding National Bioeconomy Campus at Lisheen.

With approval now in place, Nua Bioenergy plans to move to detailed engineering, procurement and construction.

‘I have encouraged Government strategy for the building of these projects in central, suitable locations rather than a proliferation of small units in unsuitable locations’ said Deputy Lowry.

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