Bio-energy site will put stables out of business, hearing told

A Bord Pleanála hearing into a proposed bio-energy facility in Co Tipperary, which opponents claim could put Coolmore Stud and…

A Bord Pleanála hearing into a proposed bio-energy facility in Co Tipperary, which opponents claim could put Coolmore Stud and Ballydoyle Stables out of business, ended yesterday.

The company behind the venture said that "Ireland's green credentials" would be seriously undermined unless the project got the go-ahead. In a closing statement yesterday, lawyers for the Coolmore group reiterated their belief that the site is "wholly unsuitable", arguing that the facility "would be prejudicial to human and animal health".

Planning inspector Derek Daly, who heard submissions from technical experts, politicians and local residents, including the country's leading racehorse trainer Aidan O'Brien, will now prepare a report for board members.

A decision is expected in May.

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But local sources believe that whichever side loses will appeal to the High Court.

An Irish joint venture company, Green Organics Energy Ltd (GOE), wants to build the facility on a site at Castleblake, Rosegreen, which has been used for rendering for many decades. An earlier attempt to build an incinerator on the site was withdrawn five years ago following intense opposition - also led by the Coolmore group - with the support of local residents.

The company claims the €100 million plant will be "safe, efficient, clean and green" and is essential to enable the Irish meat-processing industry to dispose of animal byproducts (parts of animals not intended for human consumption). GOE would process the organic waste using a system known as anaerobic digestion to break down the waste into "biogas" which would then be used to create "green" electricity for the national grid, and to make biodiesel fuel for cars.

Company executives told the hearing there "will be no odour nuisance, no water discharge and no BSE-positive material coming to the site".

The venture is backed by Dawn Meats, Bioverda (a unit of conglomerate NTR) and Avglade, a holding company controlled by Tipperary businessman Louis Ronan.

The company was refused planning permission last year by South Tipperary County Council but is appealing that decision. The Coolmore group, along with other businesses, local residents and the county council are appealing to An Bord Pleanála to uphold the refusal.

The proposal has generated considerable controversy and has divided communities in rural south Tipperary.

Large crowds attended each of the hearing's 12 days at the Hotel Minella in Clonmel. The hearing was told that John Magnier's Coolmore group - one of the international bloodstock industry's most successful operations - could be forced to relocate away from Co Tipperary. Mr O'Brien claimed the proposal "would be a disaster" and negatively impact on the health of horses.

Paul Barrett, project manager for the proposed facility, said "nothing has been presented at this oral hearing to demonstrate how this facility will actually have an impact on the local equine industry".