HomeMy WebLinkAbout2660018 - Submission - Grainne O'ConnorPlanning Objection to Proposed Biogas Plant Development
Application Reference: 2660018 (previous application incomplete 2560496)
Proposed Development: Renewable Biogas Plant. Stream Bioenergy
Location: Maghernakelly, Drumcall, Drumgole, Drum, Co Monaghan
Submitter: Grainne OConnor
Address: The Lawn Drumanny Drum Co.Monaghan
I wish to lodge a formal objection to the above planning application for a
proposed Renewal Biogas Plant.
My objection is based on serious concerns regarding residential health and
safety, road safety, traffic impact, and pedestrian safety, particularly in relation
to the R189 and L22803 road network.
1. Unsuitability of the R189 for Additional Industrial Traffic
The R189 is a narrow and restricted rural road with dangerous bends and poor
visibility. It already carries a high level of traffic relative to its design, including
private vehicles, agricultural machinery, and commercial traffic.
The introduction of an increased amount of frequent Heavy Goods Vehicle
(HGV) movements associated with a biogas plant would significantly increase
traffic volumes on a road that is already operating at or near capacity. The road
is not designed to safely accommodate sustained industrial traffic of this
nature.
2. Evidence of High HGV Volumes from Comparable Bioplant
Development
On my recent site visit to an operational biogas plant in Northern Ireland on
the 30th December 2025 (plant which is approximately half the scale of the
proposed development), clearly demonstrated the level of traffic such facilities
generate.
During a 50 -minute observation period, a total of 10 HGV movements were
recorded:
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• 5 HGVs entering the plant o.00
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• 5 HGVs exiting the plant
In addition, at various intervals, HGVs were observed stationary outside the
plant, waiting to gain access during designated delivery time slots.
This real -world evidence demonstrates that biogas plants generate frequent
and continuous HGV traffic throughout the day, not merely occasional vehicle
movements with a maximum of 2 HGV per hour which was articulated at the
public information night on the 9th December 2025 by Bio Stream for this
particular development. Given that the proposed plant in Maghernakelly
(application reference 2560496) is significantly larger, it is reasonable to
conclude that traffic volumes would be equal to or greater than those
observed. Any Traffic and Transport Assessment that does not fully consider
these factors is insufficient.
3. School Bus Route and Vulnerable Road Users
The R189 functions as an active school bus route, with children boarding and
disembarking daily along the road. Multiple school buses travel along the R189
daily with frequent stops along the R189 and close to the proposed site
planning application. Increased HGV traffic would pose a serious and
unacceptable risk to schoolchildren, particularly at times of peak traffic in the
mornings and afternoons.
The road's narrow width, lack of hard shoulders in places, and restricted
sightlines at bends significantly increase the danger to vulnerable road users,
including children, cyclists, and pedestrians.
4. Access from L22803 onto the R189
I reside on the L22803 (within 1 kilometre from the proposed development)
which connects directly onto the R189. While recent works have widened the
corner at this junction to address longstanding visibility issues, these works
have only reduced the risk and have not mitigated it.
Visibility at this junction remains poor and restricted due to:
The narrow rural road infrastructure
The alignment and curvature of the R189
Existing dangerous bends in close proximity to the junction
The junction is not suitable for frequent HGV movements travelling on the
R189. Additional industrial traffic would substantially increase the risk of
serious traffic incidents at this location and junction.
5. Pedestrian Safety in a Rural Environment
There is a lack of footpaths or safe pedestrian infrastructure along the R189
and L22803. Pedestrians, including children and elderly residents, are required
to walk along these roads.
The addition of regular HGV traffic would significantly compromise pedestrian
safety and alter the rural road environment in a manner that is contrary to
proper planning and sustainable development.
6. Water Quality and Residential Safety Concerns
The construction of the proposed Renewal Biogas Plant in this rural area raises
safety concerns, particularly regarding the handling of hazardous substances in
close proximity to residential dwellings. Due to the nature of substances
produced which are highly flammable and produce huge volumes of methane,
proposes a dangerously high risk of explosions. European and UK Biogas Plant
Health and Safety studies in 2024, show 69% of reported accidents from
Renewal Biogas Plants are explosion accidents and 22% of accidents involved
the release of toxic chemicals into the local environment that have the
potential to travel 20 miles away.
There are also concerns about potential impacts on potable water quality, as
the site is located near a local reservoir that supplies drinking water. It is
essential that statutory setback distances are strictly applied to ensure that
homes, residents' health, and overall safety are fully protected.
While I am not opposed to renewable energy initiatives, I believe that clear
and robust regulations are urgently needed to guide the appropriate siting of
such facilities.
Conclusion
The proposed Biogas Plant would result in a significant increase in heavy
industrial traffic on an already busy, narrow, and hazardous rural road
network, placing schoolchildren, pedestrians, and local residents at
unacceptable risk. Further risks and impact on environment and residential
health and safety concerns.
For the reasons outlined above, I respectfully request that Monaghan County
Council refuse planning permission for this development with the advice to
seek a more suitable location.
Yours sincerely,
Grainne O'Connor
02.03.2026