Plans for controversial Swinford biogas facility stalled after no judicial review lodged against planning refusal

A years-long controversy in Swinford appears to have concluded after no judicial review was lodged against the refusal of planning permission for a biogas facility.

The facility, which was to be located just outside the town, met large-scale local opposition after it was first proposed a number of years ago.

A campaign against the proposal included public meetings and public submissions outlining various local concerns. This included the impact on traffic flow, unsuitable roadways, its proximity to the town, potential odours and potential pollution of the River Moy. Other observations opined that the facility was in the ‘wrong location’ because it would be too close to residential properties.

Two separate planning applications for the facility from Moy Valley Biogas were refused by Mayo County Council, the latest of which was upheld by An Bord Pleanála last December.

An Bord Pleanála said that traffic turning movements into the proposed facility would interfere with the safe flow of traffic on the nearby N5, where a 100 km/h speed limit applies.

The board deemed that the local road network would require significant and excessive improvements to facilitate the biogas plant.

Based on the information provided, the board was not satisfied that the proposal would not be likely to have a significant effect on the River Moy Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

Swinford Biogas Concern Group have welcomed confirmation from An Bord Pleanála’s legal department that no judicial review had been lodged.

With the deadline for lodging a judicial review against the planning refusal having passed, the group said it can ‘finally relax and celebrate’ its campaign against the development.

Swinford Biogas Concern Group said in a statement: “We want to sincerely thank everyone who supported our intensive campaign over the past few years – those who protested, attended meetings, lodged objections, signed petitions, built floats and organised parades, donated money, researched topics and provided technical information, paid for banners, distributed newsletters, or spread the word far and wide through social media about the negative impacts of the proposed development.”

The group said they will organise a gathering to celebrate their campaign and report back on any outstanding matters.