Cootehill group distances from proposed anaerobic digester

Feasibility questioned in newly published report

A community development body in Cootehill has formally stated it does not support a proposed anaerobic digestion (AD) plant in the town, clarifying it has no role in the project beyond an earlier feasibility study.

In a statement issued last week (February 13) on Cootehill.ie, Cootehill Area Development said it “wishes to clarify its position in relation to the proposed anaerobic digestion (AD) plant currently being advanced in Cootehill”, stressing it is not the developer and has no involvement in the pending planning process.

“Cootehill Area Development confirms that it does not support the proposed anaerobic digestion development now being progressed by an independent developer,” the group say.

The organisation further emphasised it “is not the developer of the proposed project”, has “no role in the planning application process”, and “holds no financial, legal, or operational interest in the development”.

It added that it has “no involvement whatsoever beyond the previously completed feasibility study”.

Feasibility study

The clarification follows scrutiny of a biomethane feasibility study commissioned in March 2023 by Cootehill Area Development (CAD) and carried out by Galetech Energy Services.

Last year CycleØ announced plans to build multi-million-euro digester plant, capable of producing biomethane for the national gas grid.

The announcement marked the birth of the ‘Cootehill Bioconcern Group’, who firmly oppose the development.

The proposed site lies behind the former Whelan’s shoe factory, just off the main Cavan to Cootehill road, and a submission to Cavan County Council's planning department is due imminently.

The CAD study was funded through the Cavan Local Development LEADER Programme and, according to the group, and “followed all required procurement procedures, including obtaining a minimum of three quotations” according to the group.

Technical engagement at the time included a biomethane injection enquiry response from Gas Networks Ireland.

Cootehill Area Development say the work was undertaken as part of a broader sustainability initiative led by the Cootehill Sustainable Energy Community (SEC), established in 2021 and registered with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. That programme has included projects such as the Cootehill Active Travel Project in collaboration with Cavan County Council, retrofitting and Warmer Homes workshops, and engagement under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.

The discussions around renewable gas and biomethane were described as “exploratory and strategic in nature, forming part of broader national conversations around renewable gas infrastructure.”

Viability

According to the Galetech report, the development of an AD plant for biomethane production with grid injection “was found to be the most viable option over CHP/electrical generation but only when there is support from the government.”

The “challenges” in developing an AD plant in the Republic of Ireland, they say, is “dependent on the introduction of subsidies for biomethane generation from the government.”

Three configurations were examined.

Configuration A, based on 100% feedstock availability including silage, delivered the highest kilowatt-hour return and a projected return on investment (ROI) of 5.2 years, based on a €0.12 per kWh assumption. However, the report cautioned that rising feed costs could undermine this model, noting that “the average concentrate cost [has] increased by 42% compared to the same time last year, meaning demand of silage will exceed supply.”

Configuration B removed silage as a feedstock, reducing energy output but lowering operational expenditure by €2.1 million. Its ROI was estimated at 5.51 years.

Configuration C, which relied heavily on broiler litter, was deemed unviable due to ammonia toxicity risks. The report advised that an inclusion rate of broiler litter at 5% would be an “acceptable risk” in year one, potentially rising to 10% with strict controls and oversight.

A combined biogas/CHP option was also found unable to compete with solar and wind projects in Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) auctions, leaving power purchase agreements (PPAs) as the only alternative- though the report concluded this too was not viable at the modelled price points. It warned that pursuing this route would require additional grid connection works, increasing capital expenditure by approximately €500,000.

Planning hurdles

The report also estimates that securing planning permission could take up to two years, and further noted that applications for AD plants are generally handled by An Bord Pleanála.

It referenced recent approvals for AD plants in Kinincha and Glenbrack, Co Galway, and Ballyduff, Tullamore, Co Offaly, granted subject to conditions including strict feedstock limits, designated haul routes, restricted delivery hours, installation of odour management systems, and compliance with Seveso Directive thresholds.

The feasibility study also went on to outline a series of next steps should a project proceed, including confirming a preferred feedstock configuration, laboratory analysis to determine dry matter (DM) values and biogas yield, further site investigation, pre-planning consultation with the local authority, securing approval for a gas injection point, and negotiating plant supply and construction contracts.

Response

Despite the earlier exploratory work, Cootehill Area Development said its position is now clear.

“Cootehill Area Development’s priority remains the well-being of the people of Cootehill and supporting sustainable initiatives that are community-led, transparent, and aligned with the long-term interests of the town,” the statement concluded.

It also noted that individual members and directors are free to engage in a personal capacity, adding that not all members were present at a recent meeting and that no formal vote was taken.