Developer challenges planning decision on Kildare biogas plant
A PLANNING appeal has been lodged with An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP) for the proposed Biomethane plant in Ballyvass, Castledermot, Co Kildare.
The appeal, submitted by CycleØ IE Limited, seeks permission to develop a plant that would produce renewable biomethane, carbon dioxide (CO₂), and fertiliser, along with a range of ancillary and associated works.
Local residents of Castledermot came together over the last several months and fought against the proposed project, arguing that the proposed facility would have negative effects on the area’s environment, traffic, local businesses and community in general.
Kildare County Council decided to refuse permission for the project in line with community concerns, which were backed up by a lot of evidence and supported by public representatives such as Mark Wall TD, Seán O’Fearghaill TD, cllr Aoife Breslin, cllr Brian Dooley, cllr Chris Pender, cllr Ivan Keatley, Cllr Mark Leigh, as well as many community-based organisations, and Kilkea-based Prof Brian Broderick, who lectures Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering at Trinity College Dublin.
Kildare County Council made a decision to refuse the application on October 2. The proposal was then appealed by company CycleØ on October 29.
An Coimisiún Pleanála is due to issue a decision on the case by March 12, 2026.
Ballyvass Biogas Concern Group representative, Sandra O’Brien has reacted to the news, and noted that the group are “disappointed” that CycleØ has put in the appeal. Sandra included that the group was notified of the company’s appeal to ACP ten days after the deadline.
“We only managed to get hold of the file this morning. The team are currently reviewing the details of appeal,” she said.
Sandra continued: “It will take some time to go through the documents, dissect, and decide how we will approach the appeal.” “We will be holding a meeting this week to discuss the findings,” she said.
The group and community members will meet this Thursday, November 13 at 8pm at a public meeting hosted in Scoil Diarmada Primary School, Castledermot.
An online post by the group said: “Your attendance and support are greatly appreciated as we continue our efforts to oppose the proposed industrial biomethane plant at Ballyvass.” Concerned residents and opposers of the development will have just over three weeks to submit observations to the appeal, as it was submitted on October 29, with a four week window being the standard time for submissions before it is closed off to the public.
