Kildare community submit observations against biogas plant

THE CASTLEDERMOT community have lodged observations against Ballyvass biogas plant after developer CycleØ lodged an appeal for the project with An Coimisiún Pleanála after the council’s decision to refuse planning permission.

CycleØ formally challenged the refusal earlier this month, prompting a rapid community response and a fresh round of submissions and public meetings as locals attempt to safeguard what they describe as a “wholly unsuitable” rural location.

Residents say they found themselves under “huge time pressure” once the appeal dropped.

“We only had about two weeks to work on this,” said group representative Sandra O’Brien. “It’s been very stressful – massive pressure to get everything in on time.” A community workshop organised last weekend resulted in 16 formal observations, representing around 60 residents, with others choosing to submit online individually, but Ms O’Brien ensured that volume is less important than the technical content.

One of the key issues in the original refusal seen again in the appeal relates to traffic. CycleØ’s appeal claims that there are currently 350 vehicle movements per day on the narrow rural road leading to the proposed site.

However, residents say these claims are inaccurate.

“At the moment we’ve done our own traffic surveys,” said Sandra. “Some days you’d only have 25 cars. Maybe 50 on others. I walk that road in the mornings at the busiest time and I don’t meet any traffic at all.” 

“There’s no way they’re going to make that road in any way suitable for 40- or 50-tonne trucks,” Sandra said. “It beggars belief.” Hydrology concerns remain central to the community’s objection, as the stream running behind several homes flows directly into the River Barrow, and runs the risk of potential contamination from the runoff from the biomethane plant.

Residents are also concerned about a proposed wash facility associated with the nearby quarry, which they say could worsen water issues.

CycleØ has referenced the long-established quarry beside the motorway to justify HGV activity in the area. But residents argue this comparison is misleading.

“The quarry was built in 1963, it’s something that’s already there,” explained Sandra. “It’s not something new being put in. They’re trying to piggyback off the quarry to make the site seem suitable.” Local representatives and technical experts have been engaged by the community. According to Sandra, even senior Government figures have questioned the viability of the project.

Local representatives such as Mark Wall TD, cllr Mark Leigh, cllr Ivan Keatley and Minister Martin Heydon have expressed their concern for the proposed development and all hold that Ballyvass is unsuitable for this type of project.

“Martin Heydon attended our meeting,” said Sandra. “He said their business model is doomed for failure and that this is the wrong location. When the Minister for Agriculture says that, it gives you some hope.” An Coimisiún Pleanála is due to issue its ruling on March 12 2026.

“We hope they’ll see what Kildare County Council saw,” concluded Ms O’Brien.