Cootehill in Co Cavan, could potentially host two major biomethane projects in the near future.

In December, Stream BioEnergy Ireland submitted plans for a new large-scale anaerobic digestion (AD) plant at Maghernakelly, Monaghan, around 4km from Cootehill.

Stream BioEnergy operates a 100% poultry manure AD plant in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, the first of its kind, and has additional projects in development in the Republic of Ireland.

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Its newly proposed AD plant would process up to 99,000t of organic waste per year, with poultry manure accounting for between 80,000 and 99,000t of the total feedstock.

The remaining feedstock would consist of cattle slurry and other agri-food wastes.

Stream states that the poultry manure would be sourced from Monaghan and surrounding areas.

The manure would be processed through six digestion tanks on a 22ac site, producing approx 120GWh of biomethane annually, enough to supply gas to around 11,000 homes.

The biomethane would be injected into the national gas grid. The developer states that the project would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 42,000t of CO2e per year.

Digestate from the process would be treated on-site, with the facility capable of producing both pelleted fertiliser and liquid fertiliser. A planning decision on the application is due in February.

CycleØ

A planning application is also expected imminently from international developer CycleØ for a large-scale agricultural biomethane project in Cootehill.

Cootehill was selected as the location for the company’s fourth AD plant proposal following a positive feasibility study carried out by the Cootehill Area Development group. CycleØ also has plants planned in Kildare, Limerick and Galway as part of a €100m investment into Ireland.

The proposed biogas plant at Cootehill will consist of two primary digesters, two secondary digesters and one digestate storage tank, among other buildings and equipment. It is expected to process around 90,000t of feedstock each year, consisting of grass silage, slurries, manure, crops and agri-food residues.

A local action group has been established and has vowed to oppose the planning application.