HomeMy WebLinkAbout2660018 - Submission - Kieran O'ConnorKieran O'Connor
The Lawn,
Drumanny,
Drum,
Co Monaghan
H16R998
RE: Objection to planning application 2'. /- e�i -
Dear Sir/Madam,
This submission is a formal objection to the proposed planning application 2LJt8'- the
construction of a Renewable Biogas Plant (Stream Bioenergy) in the townlands of,
Maghernakelly Drumcall, and Drumgole. Detailed below are the reasons for objection:
Road Infrastructure:
The R189 road that will be the main throughway for the plant is already a very busy and, at
various times throughout the day, also very dangerous. It is simple not equipped to safely
accommodate the significant increase in heavy goods vehicle traffic associated with the
construction and ongoing operation of a biogas digester plant. Increased HGV movements pose
serious risks to road safety, will accelerate the deterioration of already substandard road, and
will cause disruption to local residents, farmers, and businesses who rely on these roads daily.
This is also a road whereby the school buses stop on a daily basis, and my worry is that with
the increased amount of HGV's it will only increase the potential risk of accidents happening.
There are a number of families that exit from the same road (L22803) onto the R189 with
young children every morning and despite there being recent improvements, it remains
hazardous to exit safely. My worry is the increased HGV's will only contribute to the already
unsafe exit from L22803.
Environmental Impact:
The location of the proposed development raises significant concerns regarding environmental
protection and in particular in regard to the extensive and irreversible impact of a drumlin
which is a direct contradiction to the Monaghan County Development Plan. There are other
risks involved such as the potential contamination of soil and watercourses, increased
emissions, and negative impacts on local biodiversity. The scale and nature of this development
are not compatible with the surrounding rural landscape and could cause long-term
environmental damage if not properly regulated and monitored. Also of note, there is a Black
Pig Dyke in very close proximity to the proposed plant. It is my understanding that Black Pig
Dyke's are protected as they are considered an archaeological monument and are officially
classed as a National Monument in Ireland. It is also my understanding that you generally
cannot dig, alter, or develop on or near it without permission from the National Monuments
Service. My question to Monaghan County Council is firstly are you aware of the presence of
the Black Pig Dyke and have the National Monuments Service been made aware of the possible
disruption of the Black Pig Dyke due the construction of the Biogas plant.
Lack of a Robust National Planning Framework:
At present, there is no sufficiently robust or clearly defined national planning framework in
place to determine suitable and appropriate locations for biogas digester plants. In the absence
of clear national guidance, zoning, and cumulative impact assessments, approving such
developments on a piecemeal basis is premature and risks inappropriate siting that
disproportionately affects rural communities. Having had numerous discussions with the
National Biogas Concern Group, who have extensive experience in relation to this matter, they
have assured me that currently the Irish Government does have some national -level policy
guidance relating to biogas / biomethane development, but there is currently no standalone,
detailed national planning guidance or statutory siting framework specifically for anaerobic
digestion or biogas/biomethane plants that clearly defines suitable locations, zoning criteria,
buffer distances, or cumulative impact requirements for planning authorities. Work to develop
these planning guidelines is ongoing, and guidance to help with siting, assessment
standards, and consistency across councils is expected to be published — potentially in
early 2026 — but it has not yet been formally issued. I have been assured that these
guidelines have the potential to be unavailable for a further 12 months or more. I believe
Monaghan County Council should actively take the absence and limitations of national
guidance into account when assessing planning applications for biogas / anaerobic digestion
plants because they are legally and procedurally required to make decisions in accordance with
proper planning and sustainable development, within a plan -led and precautionary system
Odour/Noise/Light Pollution:
Biodigester facilities are well known to generate persistent and unpleasant odours arising from
feedstock storage, digestion processes, and digestate handling. Given the proximity of the
proposed development to residential dwellings and rural homes, there is a significant risk that
odour emissions would seriously impact residential amenity and quality of life. After visiting
the plant in Ballymena, another Stream Bioenergy run Biogas plant, and speaking with local
residents, they have confirmed that the living conditions over the first few years were
"unbearable", with some considering selling their homes and moving away. While there have
been some improvements in this area, the local residents have confirmed that at particular times
of the day, during summer months and when there is ongoing upkeep to the plant, there is an
distinct smell emitting from the plant. Also employed by the Stream Bioenergy is an employee
who's purpose is "odour control". Local residents contact this employee when the odour
becomes unbearable, and the plant is modified and adjusted to reduce the smell. This was
confirmed by numerous residents living in close proximity to the plant.
The proposed development would also involve continuous or regular operation of machinery,
including generators, pumps, compressors, vehicle movements, and delivery trucks. This level
of industrial noise is not appropriate for a rural or residential setting and would result in
unacceptable disturbance, particularly during early morning, evening, and nighttime periods.
When standing in the garden of one of the closer residents of the plant in Ballymena there was
also a continuous humming noise that is persistent and, as reported by local residents, can be
heard 24hrs every day.
The plant would require extensive external lighting for operational and security purposes. Such
lighting would significantly alter the character of the area, contribute to light pollution, and
negatively affect nearby residences, wildlife, and the rural landscape, particularly during
nighttime hours.
Given the above concerns, I believe that this proposed development is unsuitable for the
location and that its potential impacts have not been adequately addressed. While I understand
that renewable energy is something that everyone should be considering for future generations,
I honestly believe that there are far more suitable brownfield sites available within the county
that should be considered before the proposed site at the Blackkesh. I respectfully request that
Monaghan County Council refuse permission for this development in the interest of public
safety, environmental protection, and the wellbeing of local residents.
Thank you for considering this submission.
Kieran O'Connor