Packed public meeting hears concerns about proposed biogas plant

A packed public meeting in Swinford on Wednesday night was told that the site for a proposed bio-gas facility near the town is utterly unsuitable. A host of speakers highlighted what they believed would be a detrimental impact on traffic flow, unsuitable roadways and possible pollution of the nearby river Moy if the proposed facility is granted planning permission by Mayo County Council.

Moy Valley Biogas Ltd had a previous planning application rejected but lodged a new application in recent months. Wednesday's meeting, hosted by Swinford Biogas Concern Group (SBCG) was addressed by a number of speakers, including well-known environmental scientist Áine McCann, who previously designed a waste management system for Galway City Council. She said there were a number of serious problems with the proposed location of the facility and said it would have a detrimental impact on the environment and biodiversity.

She urged the community to make their feelings known to Mayo County Council as forcefully as possible.

Moira Philbin chairperson of Swinford Biogas Concern Group said there was a huge groundswell of support for the community campaign and reiterated that locals were extremely concerned about the location of the proposed facility.

"If you picked the most unsuitable location possible, this is it," she stated. "We're not against biogas in any way, shape or form, but the location of this is wrong in so many ways."

Among the contributors on the night were Cllr Gerry Murray and former cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council Joe Mellett. Both pledged their support to the group and said they would assist the community in their campaign.

A full report on the meeting will be carried in Tuesday's Mayo News.