Final chance for residents to submit concerns on Tipperary biogas plant development

Local residents concerned about the proposed Killough Bio-Renewables biogas plant at the Killough Quarry area have a final opportunity to attend public workshops in Thurles.

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The first session was held on Saturday 3 January, and the remaining session will take place on Saturday 10 January, running from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm at Gaile National School, Thurles. 

The workshops are organised by the Killough Biogas Concern Group Committee and are designed to help the public understand the further information submitted as part of the planning application and to guide them through making a valid planning submission. 

Organisers say the aim is to ensure that local concerns are properly considered by the planning authority.

Key issues likely to feature include traffic and road safety, the protection of groundwater and drinking water, quarry blasting, vibration and site safety, as well as odour and air quality impacts.

Potential risks to agriculture, including fodder shortages and high nitrate concentrations in ground and surface waters, and threats to the River Suir Special Area of Conservation, proposed Natural Heritage Areas and local biodiversity are also highlighted.

A contribution of €20 applies for first-time submissions, while attendance is free for follow-up submissions. Guidance and submission templates will be provided on the day.

The deadline for new planning submissions is Friday, 17 January 2026. Workshops are open to all, with a particular focus on local residents.

Meanwhile, Roadstone, the company behind the proposed development, has engaged Climaticus to encourage dialogue with the local community.

Climaticus has launched a dedicated website at Killough.climaticus.ie, which is expected to be fully operational shortly. The company has also organised a listening event on Thursday 15 January from 4.00 pm to 8.00 pm at the Horse and Jockey, which local residents are invited to attend. 

The Killough Biogas Concern Committee said it supports renewable energy in principle but has raised serious concerns about the rapid expansion of industrial-scale anaerobic digestion projects nationwide.

In a statement, the group said: "We advocate for responsible, transparent, and well-regulated biogas development: one that supports Ireland’s renewable energy transition while protecting environmental integrity, public health, and rural communities."

The committee warned that, "in the absence of a clear statutory framework for anaerobic digestion, the proposed RHO risks incentivising the rapid construction of large-scale AD plants in unsuitable locations, undermining both public confidence and environmental standards."

The group highlighted that across multiple counties, industrial-scale AD proposals have been lodged near residential dwellings, aquifers, heritage areas, and forestry zones, including quarries, often without consistent national guidance or regulation. Without safeguards, the committee said, "these developments could threaten water quality, biodiversity, and community wellbeing."

It urged that biomethane eligibility under the RHO be deferred until a comprehensive national regulatory framework is enacted covering siting, licensing, feedstock sustainability, and environmental oversight.

Locals were encouraged "to submit their legitimate and reasonable concerns to Tipperary County Council re planning application 2560019" and warned that, "by reason of explosion risk, a regionally important aquifer, potential contamination of air and natural environment and poor road infrastructure, this application should be refused."

As the 17 January deadline nears, both workshops and the listening event offer residents the opportunity to make their concerns heard.

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