Councillors asked to hear concerns over second plan for biogas plant

Published: Wed 24 Apr 2013, 10:21 AM

Last updated: Wed 24 Apr 2013, 11:21 AM

LOCAL public representatives have been invited to a public meeting to discuss the latest proposal to construct an anaerobic digestion plant in Tuam. The planning application for a biogas plant on part of the old Sugar Factory site in Tuam was withdrawn just over a week ago. The proposal was due to be decided on by An Bord PleanÃƒÂ¡la but in a surprise move was withdrawn by applicant Bernie Hynes. Last week a different planning application was lodged with Galway Co Council by Liam Furey for a biogas plant in the Cloonthue area, off the Athenry Road on TuamÃ¢€â„¢s outskirts.[private] Planning permission is being sought to construct a 499 kw waste anaerobic digestion biogas plant. The works will include a waste storage building, office space, control room, weigh bridge, site office, digester and storage tanks, biofilter, combined heat and power unit, access roads, parking and associated site works. The development will require a waste licence to operate should it be granted permission. Already a strong opposition campaign is being co-ordinated by residents in the area in conjunction with many of those who previously objected to the Airglooney biogas plant plans. Tuam Biogas Concern group, along with concerned residents, businesspeople and sporting organisations, have asked local town councillors and area county councillors to attend a public meeting to discuss the proposal. The meeting will held tonight (Wednesday) in the Irish Wheelchair Association Centre, Tuam at 7 pm. Objectors are concerned about possible smells from the plant, the type of material that could be used to feed the digester as well as public health and safety issues. More than 90 separate objections were lodged against Bernie HynesÃ¢€â„¢s plans for an anaerobic digester in Airglooney and a number of appeals were lodged with An Bord PleanÃƒÂ¡la after Galway Co Council granted planning permission for the controversial development. The reason behind the surprise withdrawal of the Airglooney plans, which cost considerable sums to advance, is still unknown. [/private]