Proposed waste plant ‘in national interest’

THE development of a animal byproducts and bio-energy plant in south Tipperary is “in the national interest”, promoters of the proposed facility said yesterday.

Green Organics Energy, a consortium made up of Bioverda , Avglade (National By-Products) and Dawn Meats, is seeking planning permission to build Ireland ‘s first bio-energy unit at a site near Rosegreen, between Cashel and Clonmel.

The plant would take 30% of the country’s animal by-products, render the material and develop enough energy to power 5,000 homes in the process, according to Green Organics Energy. South Tipperary County Council has already rejected the plan but, following appeal to An Bord Pleanála, an oral hearing started yesterday at Hotel Minella in Clonmel. The hearing is expected to take at least two weeks.