Chapter 12: Energy
To strengthen Kerry’s Circular Bioeconomy and make best use of our competitive advantages in this space, we make the following comment:
Volume 1 Chapter 12
We welcome the recognition of Kerry’s significant bioenergy potential and the diverse range of applications including generating electricity, refining into fuel for the transport sector, providing heating/cooling for the building sector or as a source for biochemical materials for Irish industry.
Through discussions with our members, it has been identified that the locational criteria will stymie the potential for bioenergy plants in rural areas. The following change is recommended to Policy Objective KCDP 12.26:
Consider in rural areas proposals for small-scale bioenergy plants including anaerobic digestors, close to the source material and where roads have capacity to absorb increased traffic flows. Such plants should, where possible, be located in proximity to existing agricultural buildings. Bioenergy installations shall not be permitted in areas where such developments may affect residential or visual amenity.
It was considered by cluster members that limiting developments to small scale was unnecessary and the impacts on traffic, residential and visual amenity were an more appropriate measure for the suitable size of such a development. We suggest removal of word small-scale. Members considered that it may not be viable to locate a bioenergy plant in a rural location if they are limited to a small scale. Existing anaerobic digestion facilities in Ireland's rural areas can range in size from approximately 25,000 tonnes to 100,000 tonnes of feedstock per annum. These facilities can have a symbiotic relationship with rural areas, taking feedstock including agricultural waste from rural areas and converting it to agricultural products such as organic soil improvers, creating a circular economy.
Catriona Power
Manager of Circular Bioeconomy Cluster South-West