The National Biogas Concern Group Ireland (NBCG) held a protest outside the Dáil on June 6, urging the government to rethink plans for industrial biogas developments in rural areas they say are unsuitable for such projects, reports Tipperarylive.
Representatives from the Killough and Ballymackey Biogas Concern Groups in Tipperary joined others from around the country to voice their opposition to the construction of large-scale anaerobic digesters in environmentally sensitive areas, particularly where rural roads and local infrastructure are not equipped to handle the increased traffic and industrial activity.
The NBCG said their movement is about bringing communities together to promote awareness and push for planning policies that prioritize public health, environmental safety, and sustainable development.
“We’re asking for a national biogas strategy that puts people and the environment first,” said a spokesperson for the group during the demonstration outside Leinster House, which ran from 12 to 2pm.
Later in the day, from 2 to 6pm, the group held a drop-in session at the Trinity Suite of Buswells Hotel. The event included presentations starting at 2:15pm and provided an opportunity for elected officials and the public to meet with group members and learn more about their concerns.
Earlier this year, the Killough Biogas Concern Group staged a significant protest against a proposed anaerobic digestion facility at Killough Quarry. In response, Tipperary County Council has since paused the planning application from Roadstone Ltd, requesting more information from the company.
The concerned groups were hopeful of securing a meeting with Tipperary TDs during their visit to Dublin to further discuss the future of biogas development in the region.
