Calls for Biogas planning regulations as Gort campaign highlights rural concerns - Clare Echo

*Gort locals at the Biogas public meeting 02/11/26 Aine McCann and David Murray at the Gort Biogas public meeting 2/11/26 Ciaran O’Donnell speaking at Gort Biogas Public Meeting 2/11/26 Picture credits: Andreas Riemenschneider CALLS for specific planning regulations governing biogas developments have been renewed at a public meeting in Gort, where elected representatives heard concerns … Calls for Biogas planning regulations as Gort campaign highlights rural concerns Read More »

*Gort locals at the Biogas public meeting 02/11/26 Aine McCann and David Murray at the Gort Biogas public meeting 2/11/26 Ciaran O’Donnell speaking at Gort Biogas Public Meeting 2/11/26 Picture credits: Andreas Riemenschneider

CALLS for specific planning regulations governing biogas developments have been renewed at a public meeting in Gort, where elected representatives heard concerns about the impact of the industry on rural communities.

More than 140 people attended Monday night’s (November 2) meeting in Sullivan’s Hotel, organised by the Gort Biogas Concern Group, which has been campaigning against a proposed plant in the area for eight years.

Members of the group outlined their concerns about the absence of industry-specific regulations, arguing that rural communities are being left to challenge large-scale developments without adequate protections.

Aine McCann, representing the National Biogas Concern Group, outlined the organisation’s work in bringing the concerns of communities affected by proposed biogas developments to Government representatives.

She said the group supported renewable energy but wanted to ensure residents were treated fairly, the environment was protected and the law was respected.

Galway East TD Albert Dolan (FF) said the absence of clear guidelines, particularly in relation to the potential risks associated with biogas facilities, “is a failure.”

He said he would bring the concerns raised at the meeting to the relevant Minister and his party colleagues, adding that Government needed to do more to ensure decisions were based on proper evidence.

“An Coimisiún Pleanála’s decision must be fact-based and in reality,” he told the meeting.

Galway East TD Louis O’Hara (SF) also criticised the lack of planning guidelines and public consultation, describing the treatment of the local community as disrespectful.

He said he supported the campaign group and would assist it where possible.

“We all know this is the wrong development in the wrong area,” he said, noting the proposed plant’s close proximity to schools and the local community.

Senator PJ Murphy (FG) said he was familiar with the concerns raised by residents, having experienced the impact of the Glenmore biogas plant in Ballybofey, Co Donegal, near his mother’s home place.

He said a first cousin lived around 1.5km from the facility and that he was “acutely aware of the consequences of having a plant of this magnitude on your doorstep”.

Mr Murphy said he agreed with concerns raised by a local farmer about the availability and financial viability of supplying sufficient silage to the proposed Gort facility.

He said work was ongoing on a national planning strategy, which he hoped would be completed by the end of the second quarter of 2027.

He said he had repeatedly called for clearer planning guidelines covering developments including solar farms, wind farms and biogas facilities, arguing that the existing guidance was not sufficiently clear or stringent.

Mr Murphy said the proposed strategy would go before the Dáil and Seanad and, if passed, would come into effect immediately, with An Coimisiún Pleanála bound by its provisions.

However, he said the Gort application would most likely be decided under the current planning framework.

He also said he had supported the campaign from the outset, having submitted an objection to the original application, and pledged his continued support as a member of the local community.

The meeting also heard how campaigners had brought their concerns to politicians and Government committees, seeking greater recognition of the challenges facing communities affected by proposed biogas developments.

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