Kildare biomethane plant meeting cancelled

A MEETING organised by a company wishing to develop a biomethane plant in south Kildare has been cancelled.

European company CycleØ were organising the event billed as a ‘community information meeting’ on the proposed facility at Ballyvass on Wednesday in the Clanard Court Hotel, Athy.

However, CycleØ said “circumstances outside of the company’s control” have led to its cancellation but they plan on rescheduling the event.

In a statement, the company claim: ‘The event, which was intended as an opportunity for the local community in the area close to the proposed biogas plant at Ballyvass, Co. Kildare to learn more about the plans, cannot take place as the event venue has cancelled the booking.

‘The venue explained to CycleØ that the decision was taken due to information received directly by them of disruption and disorder planned by a few individuals intending to attend the event.’ The Kildare Nationalist contacted the hotel and understands the main consideration behind the cancellation was not to prejudice the hotel’s reputation in the community.

In the statement, CycleØ Country Manager for Ireland James Manley said he regretted the development.

‘Our intention was to hold an open community event, as we have done elsewhere in Ireland, to speak with local residents and to discuss our plans with them.

‘The event was intended to address any potential concerns the local community might have about our plans at Ballyvass, and it was an opportunity to highlight the benefits the plans will bring to Ireland and the local community. We look forward to our next opportunity to have those conversations.’