Horse trainer welcomes rejection of animal waste plant

CHAMPION trainer Aidan O’Brien has welcomed An Bord Pleanála’s refusal of planning permission for an animal waste processing facility in south Tipperary.

Green Organics Energy Ltd sought to develop the project on the site of a former animal rendering plant near Rosegreen, halfway between Cashel and Clonmel.

The site is two miles from the world famous Ballydoyle stables, Aidan O’Brien’s base, which is owned by stud giants Coolmore.

According to An Bord Pleanála, the proposed “large-scale industrial-type facility” would be “incompatible” with equine-related activities in the area.

They noted council and the government policies to support the equine industry.

The proposed biogas and biodiesel project which would have used up to 250,000 tonnes of slaughterhouse waste per year, including BSE-risk material, would be “prejudicial to the viability of the equine industry in this area (including undermining confidence therein)”, said the board.

Aidan O’Brien, who gave evidence at an oral hearing, welcomed the refusal. “We are delighted here at Ballydoyle with this decision.”

Coolmore Stud’s Maurice Moloney said the decision “represents a great result for common sense and for the local community”.

Spokesman for lobby group South Tipperary for Clean Industry, Douglas Butler, said they were confident “at all times” that the board would uphold the county council’s decision. “This refusal will protect the environment and our well-established equine industry.”

A spokesperson for Green Organics Energy said the company had not fully examined the reasons for the refusal. “We will be reviewing it in detail when it is made available,” she said.