Biogas plant plans lodged
Plans for a biogas plant in Cootehill, capable of processing up to 90,000 tonnes of organic waste annually, have been lodged - just days after a similar anaerobic digestion facility in neighbouring Monaghan was granted approval.
CycleØ IE Limited has submitted plans to Cavan County Council for a multi-million-euro biogas plant at Cootehill Enterprise Park, spanning the townlands of Claragh and Errigal.
The proposed 6.14-hectare facility would process agricultural slurry, manure, dairy waste and crop-based materials to produce renewable biomethane for injection into the national gas network, alongside captured carbon dioxide and bio-based fertiliser.
Proposal
The plant would comprise approximately 3,416 sq m of buildings and infrastructure, including two primary digesters and two 11.5 metres high post-digester tanks.
A digestate storage tank would reach 16.4 metres, while a substantial feedstock reception and digestate treatment building would measure approximately 1,704 sq m.
An odour abatement system meanwhile will incorporate a stack reaching 13 metres.
Other infrastructure includes a combined heat and power unit, biomethane boiler, pasteurisation equipment, gas treatment systems and an 11.3-metre safety flare.
The plans also include a two-storey office building, solar panels, ESB substation, wastewater treatment, a weighbridge and access roads.
A significant aspect of the proposal, which has been met with some opposition in the local community, is the apparent buy-in of 64 farmers willing to supply the plant.
Supply
According to documentation submitted, farmers will supply manure, slurry and crop-based materials, predominantly sourced from the local region, and receive bio-based fertiliser in return.
CycleØ claims the development could support between 30 and 45 jobs, comprising five to eight full-time positions at the facility when open, 14 jobs within its operational team, and approximately 25 local contractor positions.
CycleØ says, if given the go ahead, the plant can contribute to reducing Ireland’s reliance on fossil fuel-based chemical fertilisers while improving the environment and viability of local farms.
CycleØ’s hopes to assist Ireland achieve national targets of producing 5.7 terawatt hours of biomethane annually by 2030, saying: “capturing methane from the agri-food, industrial and municipal sectors and upgrading it to biomethane for vehicle use or grid injection. As experts in biomethane, CycleØ develops, builds, owns and operates plants for the benefit of farmers and local communities and in support of local decarbonisation targets.”
A planning report submitted outlines engagement with Cavan County Council, Gas Networks Ireland, local farmers, businesses and elected representatives. Consultation with agri operators began in early 2024, while two public online engagement events were held in November 2025.
Landowner letters of consent have been provided by Paul Quinn, Thomas Farrell as well as Cavan County Council.
Drum plan
The Cootehill application comes less than a week after Monaghan County Council granted planning for a separate biogas facility in Drum.
Proposed by Stream BioEnergy Ireland Limited, the approximately 8.8-hectare facility in Maghernakelly, Drumcall and Drumgole, was approved with 27 conditions.
That facility is designed to process approximately 99,000 tonnes of poultry manure annually, alongside other biodegradable agricultural and agri-food materials. Like Cootehill, the Drum project also attracted considerable local debate, with some residents supporting the renewable energy development while others have raised concerns about its location, potential odours and noise.
Environmental assessment
As part of their application CycleØ has submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR), alongside an Appropriate Assessment Screening Report.
The applicant maintains the project will not give rise to significant effects on European protected sites and says measures have been incorporated to address such potential environmental impacts. An EPA Industrial Emissions Directive licence will also be required before the facility can operate.
The proposal falls under the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive III.
The application received by Cavan planners on is currently at pre-validation stage, with a decision due January 2, 2027.