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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2660018 - Submission - [E] Darren ConnollySubmission Details Submitter Name Darren Connolly Address Drumaney Drum Co Monaghan H16NN59 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: 02/03/2026 To Whom It May Concern, I wish to formally object to the proposed development of a bio-digester / anaerobic digestion plant at BlackKesh Maghernakelly County Monaghan, which is situated in close proximity to my house 550m at Maghernakelly Drum Co Monaghan. I submit this objection on the grounds that the proposed development would have a significant and unacceptable negative impact on my residential amenity, health, safety, and quality of life, and would be contrary to proper planning and sustainable development of the area. I also have concerns that adjacent farmland was being prepared prior to planning permission being submitted. Material Changes in particular, Significant changes to adjacent land, section of farmland, had removal of all hedgerows, mature trees resulting in wiping the land clean, which exceeds five hectares, while on the opposite site adding drainage to allow for the raw materials from the purposed site to now be placed. Therefore, the planning application should be rejected. Site 1 in question (54.1104447, -7.1016335) Site 2 (54.1121033, -7.0954916). Odour and Air Quality Concerns Bio-digester plants are widely associated with persistent and unpleasant odours arising from the storage and processing of slurry, organic waste, and digestate. Given the close proximity of this development to my dwelling, there is a serious risk of ongoing odour nuisance, particularly during warm weather or operational failures. This would render normal enjoyment of my home and garden not to mention my kids playing outside, drying clothes, impossible and may pose risks to respiratory health. We are currently exposed to frequent odours at present coming from a facility due to their ongoing issues with their grey water treatment on site. Noise Pollution The operation of the plant, including machinery, generators, pumps, HGV movements, and delivery vehicles, will result in increased noise levels. This is incompatible with a quiet residential rural setting and would cause continuous disturbance, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends. Traffic and Road Safety The development will significantly increase heavy goods vehicle traffic on local roads that are narrow and unsuitable for frequent large vehicles. This raises serious concerns regarding road safety for residents, pedestrians, cyclists, and children’s school’s buses which currently don’t have adequate safe drop off and collection facilities and will further contribute to noise, vibration, and deterioration of local roads. It poses a serious and unacceptable risk to road safety, particularly in relation to school buses and children travelling to and from school. The local road network serving this area is narrow, winding, and unsuitable for increased volumes of heavy goods vehicles. These roads are currently used daily by school buses collecting and dropping off children from nearby homes. Visibility at junctions is poor, road widths are limited, and there are no footpaths or safe passing places in several sections. The proposed development will generate additional HGV and commercial vehicle traffic associated with the delivery of materials, removal of waste, and ongoing operation of the facility. The interaction between large industrial vehicles and school buses on these unsuitable roads significantly increases the risk of collisions and near-miss incidents. Parents and residents are already concerned about the safety of children boarding and exiting school buses along these roads. Increased traffic, particularly heavy vehicles, will further endanger children who must stand at the roadside while waiting for buses, often in areas with no hard shoulder or safe refuge. I believe that the applicant has failed to adequately address these safety concerns, and that the proposed development is contrary to proper planning and sustainable development, as it would endanger public safety and place children at RECEIVED: 02/03/2026 unnecessary risk L2203. In addition, the environmental impact of increased HGV movements cannot be ignored!!! Higher emissions adversely affect air quality, which is a particular concern for nearby homes and vulnerable residents. I am also concerned about the cumulative impact of these vehicle movements over time and whether adequate traffic assessments have been fully considered. For these reasons, I strongly urge the relevant authority to reconsider this activity, due to traffic management and environmental mitigation. Visual Impact and Loss of Residential Amenity The industrial nature, scale, and appearance of a bio-digester plant are wholly out of character with the surrounding residential and rural environment. The proposed development would result in visual intrusion and a substantial reduction in the value and enjoyment of my property. Environmental and Public Health Risks There are concerns regarding potential leakage, spills, emissions, and contamination of soil and water, particularly given the handling of slurry and organic waste materials. Any such incident would have serious consequences for nearby residents and the local environment. Not to mention the Drumore River system. Inappropriate Siting While renewable energy and waste management facilities are important, this particular site is wholly unsuitable due to its immediate proximity to existing homes and public roads. Such facilities should be located in designated industrial or appropriately zoned areas, not beside private residences and the destruction of drumlin. For the reasons outlined above, I respectfully request that Monaghan County Council refuse planning permission for this development. Thank you for considering this objection. Yours faithfully, Darren Connolly Planning Application Reference: RECEIVED: 02/03/2026