PLANNING: Agricultural biomethane facility in Tipperary seeks planning extension

A new planning application has been submitted to Tipperary County Council seeking an extension of duration for a proposed agricultural anaerobic digestion facility at Sandymount Farms, Ballingarry, Roscrea.

The application, lodged by Robert Clarke, was received and validated on March 12th 2026, with a decision due by May 6th. The planning status is listed as a new application.

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If approved, construction is anticipated to commence in March 2028, with completion scheduled for September 2029, according to details contained in the application form.

The proposed development consists of a 1MW agricultural based anaerobic digestion biomethane facility, designed to process up to 29,800 tonnes per annum of agricultural feedstocks.

The facility will occupy approximately 2.31 hectares and includes a single storey reception building with welfare facilities, staff and visitor parking, and a designated truck delivery and collection area.

Additional planned infrastructure includes storage containers, methane and propane storage tanks, a feedstock hopper and feeder, a wheel wash system, a weighbridge, and water storage provisions.

The facility will also include two anaerobic digester tanks, digestate and slurry storage tanks, feedstock clamps, a combined heat and power plant, and equipment for biogas cleaning, upgrading and compression.

Surface water management systems, a wastewater treatment plant, an ESB substation, a new entrance onto the L1071 road, perimeter fencing, landscaping, and associated site works are also part of the proposal.

Supporting documentation states that the applicant has recently been successful in qualifying for grant aid under the recently released Biomethane Capital Grants Scheme.

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The submission notes that a capital grant scheme has been established to support both existing and new anaerobic digestion facilities, particularly agriculture-led projects using feedstocks such as animal manures and grass silage. Sustainability requirements form a key part of the criteria for funding.

The documents also highlight the potential benefits of the development, including contributing to national climate targets, supporting farm diversification, reducing reliance on chemical fertilisers through the use of digestate, and providing a renewable alternative to imported fossil gas.

Reports referenced in the submission indicate that the development of a biomethane industry could also generate employment opportunities during both construction and operational phases, providing economic benefits to rural communities.

However, the submission notes that the operational viability of the facility is dependent on the introduction of a Renewable Heat Obligation. Construction cannot proceed until this measure is in place.

The application is being assessed by planner Olive O'Donnell. Further information is available on the planning file with Tipperary County Council.

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