21334
PP - development consisting of a renewable energy development on a 3.9 hectare site. The proposed development will constitute the provision of the following: Construction of a Biomass processing and storage area utilising forestry products. Construction of a Gasification and Methanation Plant including buildings for the production of advanced biofuels. Construction of a Gasification and Combined Heat Power Plant including building for the production of electricity and heating. Construction of Containerised Battery Storage Facility (20MW). Construction of a Thermal Energy recovery and storage facility including buildings for district heating distribution. Construction of two on-site 38kV substations. Creation of a new access from Finisklin Road. All ancillary development , including the provision of site office, car parking, internal access roads, perimeter landscaping, fencing, lighting, and on-site drainage. The Planning application is accompanied by a Natura Impact Statement.
Core Refusal Reason
The application was refused primarily due to insufficient information regarding environmental risks—specifically leachate and gas emissions—associated with developing on a closed landfill, which prevented the Planning Authority from ruling out adverse impacts on protected European sites and local water quality.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The Natura Impact Statement (NIS) failed to provide enough information to ensure the development would not adversely affect the integrity of the Cummeen Strand/Drumcliff Bay SAC and Cummeen Strand SPA due to potential landfill-related emissions.
- The applicant did not demonstrate a satisfactory plan for surface water management, posing an unacceptable risk of environmental pollution to surface, ground, and marine waters.
- The proposed development is considered premature as it precedes the completion of necessary remediation measures required to address existing environmental contamination risks at the closed Finisklin landfill site.