Company Responds As Explosion Fears Ignite Local Outrage Over Ballyvass Biomethane Plant

Cycle0 Group, a leading biomethane company operating across Europe, recently announced plans to invest over €100 million in four new agri-based biomethane plants in Ireland, including one in south Kildare.

Despite no formal planning application being lodged yet, locals are already gearing up for a fierce battle to block a proposed biomethane project in Ballyvass, between Castledermot and Kilkea.

Some residents believe the plant will have negative impacts on traffic, noise, odour, and the environment.

Cycle0 Group, a leading biomethane company operating across Europe, recently announced plans to invest over €100 million in four new agri-based biomethane plants in Ireland, including one in south Kildare.

The company insists that all environmental and planning considerations will be taken into account.

Sandra O’Dwyer, who lives near the proposed site, voiced her objections, highlighting the plant’s potential effects on road infrastructure, safety, and the local environment. “The roads here cannot sustain heavy goods vehicles 24 hours a day. Families walk and cycle these roads, which are already prone to flooding and potholes. The proposed site entrance is on a bend, which is extremely dangerous,” she told Kfm.

She said the road is used by local farmers, residents, people taking their children to school and tourists.

"We have to regularly contact the council to carry out works on the road as it is," Sandra said.

She said residents are also concerned about the impact on Kilkea Castle, a historic site less than 1.5 miles away, as well as the nearby woodland, which they say is home to local wildlife and serves as an important community amenity.

Sandra also outlined her fears over possible methane leakage, explosion risks, and property devaluation.

In response to those concerns, a spokesperson for the company told kfm that modern biogas plants present a "low safety risk".  

They said "explosion-proof equipment" are designed into the plants to ensure "safe operation".  

They said "regular training, adherence to standards and robust emergency procedures further enhance safety".

They pointed out that there are "no hazardous substances or materials associated with the facility that could constitute a public health risk".

"The materials processed are organic in nature and all operations are controlled by strict health and safety standards. Any pathogens present in digestate are eliminated by pasteurisation, ensuring a safe product that complies with environmental regulations," the spokesperson said.

Ahead of the application process, the spokesperson said the company will begin an advertising campaign and will distribute invitations and information leaflets to nearby residents in the coming days.

According to the company, this pre-planning engagement aims to address concerns and provide transparency about the project.

However, local residents, including Ms. O’Dwyer, said they are seeking legal advice.

“We will continue to protest against this as long as it takes," Sandra said.

Sandra also argued that property prices would decrease.

However, the CycleO spokesperson said "there is no evidence that the presence of a biogas plant has a negative effect on house values according to the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland."

Addressing traffic concerns, they said: "Operating an anaerobic digester can lead to small increases in traffic, including feedstock and digestate transport and some service and maintenance vehicles. A Traffic and Transport Assessment and Road Safety Audit will accompany our planning application."

They said "well-designed and operated plants create limited noise or odours" and that they "must predict noise levels for review as part of the planning application process."

The spokesperson said a community event will be held at the Clanard Court Hotel on Wednesday 19th February between 2pm and 7pm.

Locals have been asked to register in advance.