Plans for east Mayo biogas renewable energy facility before council

PLANS for an agricultural biogas renewable energy facility in Swinford have come before Mayo County Council for approval.

It is proposed to construct the plant at Lislackagh and Carrowbaun, just outside Swinford.

The planning application has been lodged by Swinford-based company Moy Valley Biogas Ltd.

Documentation submitted to the council explains how the facility will take in agriculture energy crops such as grass silage, multi species sward and whole crop silage as well as animal manures such as cattle slurry and farmyard manure.

The facility will generate biogas from these inputs, which will then be upgraded to biomethane gas and sold to local users to decarbonise their industries.

The by-product will be processed into a sustainable bio fertiliser which will be sold back to the farmers who provide the feedstock to the plant.

The site proposed for the plant is in agricultural use and consists of marginal land. It is central to a multiple of nearby farming communities, many of which, stated the report, are struggling to survive financially.

This facility would help to provide a sustainable income for these families, directly and indirectly, to the local towns and villages.

It would be a 'major benefit' economically to the Swinford/east Mayo region and the county as a whole. It would benefit the area financially and also give a major boost to the farming community.

It was stated in an environmental report: ‘The promoters believe this and similar projects in the west of Ireland are critical in providing a solution to the major issue in terms of the need for sustainable energy solutions.

'Biomethane is currently the only avenue open to many sectors to decarbonise their business and fulfil their requirements under the strict carbon regulations currently being put in place.’

Full documentation and reports about the project are available on Mayo County Council's website.