2350686

CONSTRUCTION AND CONTINUOUS OPERATION OF AN AGRICULTURAL BIOGAS RENEWABLE ENERGY FACILITY, CONSISTING OF: (1) 3 NO. PRIMARY DIGESTER TANKS, (2) 2 NO. POST DIGESTER TANKS WITH PUMPROOM, (3) PASTEURISATION UNIT WITH AUXILIARY TANKS, (4) EMERGENCY FLARE WITH BASE AND SECURITY FENCING, (5) 3 NO. AGRICULTURAL SOLID FEEDERS WITH ASSOCIATED CONCRETE BASES, (6) 2 NO. UNDERGROUND PRE-RECEPTION TANKS, (7) 2 NO. COVERED AGRICULTURAL DIGESTATE STORAGE TANKS, (8) GAS COMBINED HEAT & POWER (CHP) UNIT WITH CONCRETE BASE, (9) SITE OFFICE/CONTROL BUILDING WITH ASSOCIATED STAFF CAR PARKING AREA AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM AND PERCOLATING AREA, (10) BIOGAS UPGRADING TREATMENT AND COMPRESSION SYSTEM, (11) ELECTRIC TRANSFORMER AND SUB-STATION WITH SECURITY FENCE, (12) COVERED AGRICULTURAL STORAGE CLAMP, (13) NUTRIENT RECOVERY SYSTEM FACILITY WITH ANCILLARY TANKS AND EQUIPMENT, (14) 4 NO. AMMONIUM SULPHATE SOLUTION (ASS) STORAGE TANKS WITH CONCRETE BASES, (15) DIGESTATE DRYING AND PELLETISING FACILITY, (16) PELLET STORAGE FACILITY, (17) WEIGHBRIDGE, (18) CONSTRUCTION OF NEW ACCESS AND ENTRANCE IMPROVEMENT WORKS, (19) SITE LIGHTING WITH SECURITY CAMERAS, (20) SURFACE WATER DRAINAGE SYSTEM WITH STORAGE POND AND DISCHARGE SYSTEM, (21) BOUNDARY EARTH BUNDED AREAS, LANDSCAPING, AND BOUNDARY SECURITY FENCING AND ALL ASSOCIATED ANCILLARY WORKS. A NATURA IMPACT STATEMENT (NIS) ACCOMPANIES THIS APPLICATION

Refused

Core Refusal Reason

The Inspector recommends a grant of permission, overturning the Planning Authority's refusal, as the biogas facility is consistent with national renewable energy targets and the 2024-2030 Donegal County Development Plan, with technical concerns regarding traffic and water quality manageable through mitigation and conditions.

Decision Maker's Conclusion

  • The proposed development is strongly supported by national policy (National Biomethane Strategy 2024) and regional strategy (RSES) as a vital component in the transition to a low-carbon economy.
  • The rural, agricultural site context is appropriate for a facility utilizing local silage and slurry feedstocks, and its industrial appearance is mitigated by existing screening and distance from sensitive receptors.
  • Concerns regarding traffic hazards and water quality are successfully addressed through technical assessments and can be controlled via a CEMP, Traffic Management Plan, and a special development contribution for road strengthening.

Cited Policies (CDP)

Objective E-O-1Objective E-O-7Policy E-P-2Policy E-P-6Policy ED-P-4Policy ED-P-9Policy ED-P-11Objective L-O-1Policy L-P-2Policy AYH-P-1Chapter 16 Technical Standards

Decision Document Summary

The proposal involves the construction of an agricultural biogas renewable energy facility on a 4.7ha greenfield site in Maylin, Co. Donegal. The plant is designed to process 41,500 tonnes of agricultural feedstock per annum (80% crops like silage/beet and 20% farm byproducts like slurry) to produce biomethane and organic fertilizer. Donegal County Council refused permission based on perceived ambiguities regarding waste inputs, the capacity of the local road network, and storm water treatment. ...
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