Local delight as planning refused for Kildare biogas plant

A PROPOSAL to develop an industrial biomethane plant in County Kildare has been refused planning permission by Kildare County Council.

The decision, issued on Friday, October 3, 2025, follows strong community opposition to the biomethane project planned out by European company Cycle0, which many residents argued would have a negative impact on the local area’s environment and quality of life.

Ultimately, Kildare County Council refused the development for three reasons, one being due to the inadequacy of the small local road which connects the proposed site to Castledermot.

“The scale of traffic generated by the proposed development both at construction and operational stage would render the road unsuitable to carry the increased loads arising from the development,” wrote the council.

The council also denied the application on grounds that the development does not comply with parameters set out in the Kildare County Development Plan 2023-2029, which is “contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.” The last reason is due to the plan’s failure to provide an “adequate assessment” of hydrological risk, water quality protection, and impacts on the River Barrow, River Nore Special Area of Conservation, Hobartstown West Wetlands and other sites. In this way the plan failed to ensure the development would not affect any waterbodies in the area, and failed to comply with EU directives protecting waterways.

Cycle0 said: “We acknowledge the decision of Kildare County Council to refuse planning permission for our proposed AD and biomethane plant at Ballyvass, Co. Kildare and are reviewing the feedback provided by the Council.” 

“This is a disappointing response, but we remain confident that this is the right plan in the right location to support Ireland’s target to deliver 5.7 TWh of indigenous renewable natural gas by 2030.” Local campaigners from the Ballyvass Biogas Concern Group welcomed the decision, thanking the council for listening to the people and acknowledging the collective effort that led to the refusal.

However, the work is not done yet.

“We will need your help again to stop this industrial biomethane plant – protect our community,” they said in an online post.

“For now we have won the first battle and will absorb that for a little while. Together we can do this,” they concluded.

The Ballyvass Biogas Community Working group also weighed in on the news:

“The community said no, and no Kildare County Council has said no,” said the group.

“We are very pleased that the Council’s planning department has refused the application outright, with no request for further information.” 

“We hope the developers accept this decision and choose not to appeal to An Bord Pleanála. However, should they do so, we will be ready.” 

The working hroup emphasised that while they do not oppose biogas or renewable energy generally, in this case, the project’s location was not appropriate:

“These projects must be developed in appropriate locations with suitable infrastructure. Ballyvass is simply not such a location,” they said.

After seven months of campaigning, the working group wanted to sincerely thank everyone who contributed with them.

“Our planning consultant, local residents, community committees, primary schools, and businesses in Castledermot and the surrounding area. Every single submission made a difference.

“We also wish to thank all local representatives and TDs who supported us and lodged submissions.” 

Thanks you all once again for standing together to protect our community,” they concluded.

With the planning refused by the council, developers may now seek to appeal the decision through An Coimisiún Pleanala Alternative Compliance Procedure (ACP), and campaigners have pledged to continue their efforts if the proposal proceeds to that stage.