Plans for controversial bio-diesel plant withdrawn

CONTROVERSIAL plans for Ireland’s first bio-diesel ‘green fuel’ production factory have been withdrawn.

The move came just ahead of yesterday’s deadline, laid down by Cork County Council, for the submission of an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) to accompany the North Cork planning application.

Objectors welcomed the news but criticised the council for not seeking an EIS from day one.

Farmer and businessman Denis Howard, who was behind the project, was unavailable for comment yesterday.

He had applied for permission last month to build the facility in Farahy, near Kildorrery. It was to be built on a nine-acre site in Bowenscourt, the birthplace of writer Elizabeth Bowen.

Animal fat, waste cooking oil and rapeseed oil would have been converted to bio-diesel, an environmentally-friendly motor fuel.

The plant, which could have been up and running within 12 months, would have produced 44,000 tonnes of bio-diesel a year and would have cost up to €20 million to develop.

Mr Howard said last week he had spent two years researching the project and confirmed he planned to export the fuel.

But locals, led by a top horse breeder and the owner of a nearby health spa, spoke out last week of their health fears if the plant got the green light.

Mr Howard said his consultant on the project, Dr John O’Shea, would have allayed people’s health fears if they had attended a recent public meeting in the area.

But horse breeder Tony Gallagher said Mr Howard and his team had consistently failed to address specific health concerns. Objectors claimed hazardous chemicals would be onsite.

Mr Gallagher, and Jacqueline Mary O’Farrell, the owner of Grove House, who were among 32 objectors to the facility, welcomed yesterday’s news.

“Although we are pleased and relieved at the withdrawal of the application, surprise still exists that a chemical bio-diesel factory could be contemplated within such a scenic and rural area,” the objectors said.

It was unclear yesterday whether Mr Howard plans to prepare an EIS and reapply for planning.