Tag Archives: bioenergy

AN BORD Pleanála this week upheld a 2021 decision by Clare County Council to grant planning permission  for a bioenergy plant in Stonehall. The development has seen significant opposition in the area going back to 2012, when Clare County Council first opted to rezone the site.  When a planning application was made to the Council there were numerous objections, and when the Council approved it further appeals were made to An Bord Pleanála, whose decision this week will be met with disappointment in the area. The decision allows for the construction of a biomass processing and storage area, a gasification and methanation plant for the production of biofuels and a gasification and combined heat & power plant for production of electricity and heating. There would also be a battery storage facility and a thermal energy recovery and storage facility for district heating distribution, along with a new access road. On Tuesday Councillor PJ Ryan said there is still strong opposition. …

FEARS over air pollution dominate objections lodged by local residents against the proposed development of a bioenergy plant in Stonehall. Carbon Sole Group Limited is seeking planning permission for the development. In their objection, Anthony and Catherine Malone claimed, “Biomass plants are a significant source of air pollutants harming vulnerable communities where they are located.  “They emit toxic air pollutants including particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, lead, mercury and other harmful air pollutants including hydrochloric acid, dioxins, benzene, formaldehyde, arsenic, chromium, cadmium, lead and mercury.” Biomass power plant pollution can, they claim, exceed that of coal-fired power plants even when the best available technology is used. They further allege that fine particulate matter can get deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream causing heart disease, stroke and aggravated asthma.  “The air pollution from biomass can be continuous, heavily impacting the local community by degrading the air continuously around the clock.” The couple point out that immediately …