Concerns raised over proposed anaerobic digestion facility in local Tipperary town

A planning application for a proposed anaerobic digestion facility on a site in Tipperary Town is currently under consideration by Tipperary County Council, with some local residents expressing concerns about the suitability of the location.

The proposed development would involve the construction and operation of a plant designed to process organic material to produce renewable biomethane gas, carbon dioxide, and a bio-based fertiliser.

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Anaerobic digestion is a technology increasingly promoted as part of Ireland's transition to renewable energy and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

The project is to be located at Ballinard approximately 2km from Tipperary town.

A number of residents living in proximity to the proposed site have raised issues in submissions and local discussions.

Among the concerns highlighted are; The potential for odour and its impact on nearby homes; Increased traffic movements, particularly heavy goods vehicles transporting feedstock and digestate; Possible noise levels during construction and operation; The visual impact of industrial-scale infrastructure; Environmental considerations, including water quality and long-term monitoring.

Some residents have also questioned whether the site is appropriate given its proximity to residential areas and have called for detailed scrutiny of environmental and traffic assessments before any decision is made.

Community members have emphasised that while many support renewable energy in principle, they believe careful planning and site selection are essential to avoid negative impacts on quality of life.

Supporters of anaerobic digestion projects argue that such facilities play an important role in Ireland’s climate and energy strategy.

By converting organic waste materials — including agricultural by-products and food waste — into renewable biomethane, AD plants can reduce reliance on fossil fuels while also providing a sustainable fertiliser alternative.

Industry advocates maintain that modern facilities operate under strict environmental regulations and are subject to monitoring and licensing conditions designed to minimise odour, noise and emissions.

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They also point to potential economic benefits, including job creation during construction and operation, as well as supporting local agricultural supply chains.

National policy has identified biomethane production as a key element in meeting renewable energy targets and reducing agricultural emissions, particularly in rural counties.

The application is currently being assessed by Tipperary County Council planners and the public can make submissions until February 22.

The application reference number is 2660031.

As part of the statutory planning process, submissions and observations from members of the public are being considered alongside environmental reports and technical documentation provided by the applicant.

The Council will determine whether the development complies with local planning policy, environmental regulations, and the County Development Plan.

Conditions may be attached to any permission granted, should approval be given.

At this stage, no decision has been made.

The matter remains under formal consideration, and the outcome will be announced following completion of the planning assessment process.

As debate continues, the proposal highlights the broader challenge facing communities nationwide; balancing the urgent need for renewable energy infrastructure with legitimate local concerns about location, environmental protection and quality of life.