HomeMy WebLinkAbout2660018 - Submission - [E] Brona Connolly No 2Submission Details
Submitter
Name Brona Connolly
Address Drumaney Drum Monaghan H16 NN59
Note
In relation to application
File Number 2660018
Name Limited Stream BioEnergy Ireland
Address this site of approximately 8.8 hectares in the townlands of Maghernakelly, Drumcall and
Drumgole Drum Co. Monaghan RECEIVED: 27/02/2026
Re: Planning reference 2660018
To whom it may concern,
I wish to formally object to application number 2660018, The Renewable Biogas Plant at
Maghernakelly, Drumcall, Drumgole, Drum Area which is situated in close proximity to my residence
(550meters) at Maghernakelly, Drum, Co.Monaghan.
Based on the long-standing odour concerns experienced by local residents living in the vicinity of the
Tully Biogas Plant, owned and operated by Stream BioEnergy, I do not believe this company is
adequately set up to manage such a technical operation—particularly given that the proposed new
plant is approximately double the size of their existing facility.
While it is acknowledged that odour issues have improved over recent years, they remain a frequent
and ongoing problem for residents.
On 30 December, I visited the quarry in which the Tully Biogas Plant by Stream BioEnergy is located.
During this visit, staff working within the quarry informed me that odours from the biogas plant are
particularly potent every morning. I also visited numerous residents living within one kilometre of
the Tully Biogas Plant. These residents consistently reported frequent odour issues, often described
as “coming in waves,” and noted that the problem can be significantly worse during warmer months.
GPS coordinates for affected residences can be provided if required. While residents acknowledged
that odour levels have improved over the years, all confirmed that the issue remains ongoing. In
addition to frequent odours, residents stated that emissions are noticeably worse when
maintenance work is being carried out. Locals informed us that, during severe episodes, they contact
the plant directly regarding odour issues.
Many residents stated that living beside this plant has changed their daily lives, resulting in a
negative impact on their quality of life.
I encourage the relevant authorities to carry out an independent audit and engage directly with
these local residents. It would be unfair for Stream BioEnergy to dismiss these concerns as hearsay
or untrue when they can be readily verified through direct consultation.
Hearing the views of local residents was particularly concerning, given that at the information
evening held in Rockcorry by Stream BioEnergy on the 9th of December, both the site owner of the
proposed plant and company representatives stated that there would be no odour issues and that
odour problems at the Tully Biogas Plant had been resolved. On the 10th of January when locals
where visiting the Ballymena plant representatives of Stream BioEnergy again falsify stated that
there was no longer an odour issue at the Ballymena Plant, however locals within 1 kilometer of the
plant state otherwise.
Due to odour issues at Stream BioEnergy’s Ballymena plant, a person is employed specifically for
odour control, driving around the local area to monitor odours and liaising with the plant when
odours are detected. If odour were not an issue, such a role would not be required.
I live in close proximity to the proposed site and are subject to prevailing winds blowing directly
towards my home. I routinely dry clothes outdoors; any odour emissions would result in a clear loss
of residential amenity due to persistent methane-related smells. RECEIVED: 27/02/2026
The information leaflet stated that 2 HGVs would be entering the plant per hour. On visiting their
Biogas Plant in Ballymena 5 HGVs entered the plant within 50 minutes. This is concerning as the
Ballymena Plant is half the size of the proposed plant but over double the traffic entering within 50
minutes. Therefore I have concerns that it may be more than 2 HGVs entering the proposed plant
per hour. The local road networks for this area are narrow with poor visibility in areas causing great
safety concerns. The local road network (R189, L2280 and L2320) to this proposed plant is
inadequate and not designed to have an increase of a minimum of over 280 HGVs per week
increasing the safety risk for road users.
Along this route many children get their bus to and from school including children getting the bus
directly where the proposed plant is to be local. If planning permission where to be approved then
children would be put at a great risk on a daily basis.
For the safety and wellbeing of the community living within close proximity to the proposed biogas
plant I respectfully request that Monaghan County Council reject planning permission for this
development.
Regards
Brona Connolly
Maghernakelly,
Drum, ,
Co.Moanghan.
RECEIVED: 27/02/2026