Gas plant concerns in Tipperary community inspire back-up from local representatives

Following on from a community information evening held last month in Littleton, the Killough Biogas Concern Group has been hard at work rounding up support from the local community as well as a number of public representatives.

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A decision is expected from Tipperary County Council on March 9 regarding planning for the controversial application proposing the development of a large anaerobic digestor at Killough Quarry.

In anticipation of this decision, the concern group have held a number of workshops on how to make a submission toward this application, with local TDs stepping in to help out.

As a result, a significant number of submissions have since been made with Tipperary South TD Mattie McGrath and local councillors Sean Ryan, Michael ‘Chicken’ Brennan, Jim Ryan and Roger Kennedy all making submissions.

In Deputy McGrath’s submission he writes: “As is clear from the large volume of submissions received to date, there is significant concern and upset about the aspects of this proposed development on the area. It is particularly noteworthy that the proposed development is on a unique Karst Site, which is one of only four nationwide outside the Burren. Given this fact, the presence of permeable limestone and water underneath means there is a direct path for pollutants to contaminate the aquifer below giving rise to concerns on the detrimental impact of this development on water quality and waterways. As a public representative for the area, I believe that the proposed development if permitted would significantly injure the residential amenities in the area and negatively impact the wider community and its environs. I trust that the planning authority will consider all of the genuine concerns that have been raised by myself and concerned residents living near to the site, many of whom described their concerns in great detail, prior to making a decision.”

Cllr Sean Ryan wrote: “I Cllr Sean Ryan, wish to make a submission to Tipperary County Council on the proposed development of a Biodigester at Killough quarry in County Tipperary by Roadstone Limited Planning ref 2560019.

“As a local councillor in the area I have been approached by several local residents who have expressed huge concerns about this project.

Local Littleton priest, Fr Tom Fogarty wrote to the council: “I am writing to formally express my concerns regarding the proposed construction of an anaerobic digestor on Killough Quarry. While I understand the importance of sustainable waste management and renewable energy solutions, I believe that placing such a facility in our parish at this location poses significant risks to health, safety, and well-being of our local community.”

Alice Coman, a member of Killough Biogas Concern Group wrote an incredibly in-depth submission against the development. In her conclusion, she summed up the group’s feelings saying: “As a community group, we are aware that there are interest groups that would benefit from a project like this. We appreciate dialogue and have had meetings where everyone is invited, and we have been open, transparent and forthcoming to everyone with all of our research and conclusions.

“We acknowledge there is economic benefit for some to provide some of the inputs to the biomethane process, and the opportunity for decreasing nitrates. However, the hazards associated with the proposed facility, its location on an elevated site co-located with an active quarry, its threat to water quality, biodiversity, protected species, and air and noise associated with its activities mean that it is totally wrong for this location.

“Please consider the National Bioeconomy campus as an alternative.

“As a local community group, with no vested interest other than how to preserve the environment in our community, we implore you to look at this proposed application and how it will impact a whole community, comprising of rural residents who have nothing to gain and everything to lose- their health - from proximity to this proposed application whose alleged carbon benefits are questionable.”