22/01/2026
Galway Council have refused outright an application by Cycle0 to build a large Bio-Methane Gas Plant at Glan Cross, Kellysgrove – where the old Liffey Meats Processing plant lies, across from Whtyes Concrete works on the Portumna Road, approximately 5 km south west of the town centre.
In summary Cycle0 were denied by county planners on the 21st Jan on four key grounds -1: Large trucks would be travelling along a "substandard road" (substandard in width, alignment and surface); it wouldn't be safe for two large trucks to pass one another; it would "endanger public safety by reason of a traffic hazard", and be contrary to the sustainable development of an area.
2: There would be an intensification of road use for the R355; the junction for turning into the site would be situated at the wrong point as there would be "substantial" change to sightlines, and it would be particularly hazardous for right-hand turns; "endangering public safety” and be contrary to Galway County Development Plan objectives.
3: The EIA report didn't present enough information in sufficient detail to make an assessment of the impact on Environment, Roads and Transportation. There was a lack of information on risks - what would happen in the event of an incident, or the potential leakage of slurry from slurry feedstock or servicing, and the lack of information means the assessors couldn't rule out the risk that something would happen at European sites protected for flora and fauna. Again, it would contravene objectives laid out in the Galway County Development Plan.
4) European sites - Cycle0 did not provide sufficient information to demonstrate that surrounding European sites, i.e. SAC Esker would be adequately protected.
Ballinasloe Biogas Concern Group welcomed this decision by the planners “as it basically agrees with our analysis that the location is totally unsuitable for such an Industrial and hazardous development but we are aware from other groups nationwide how Cycle0 operate and we suspect there will be a full appeal to An Commisun Planala , so we will be holding further Community, public meetings in February to make sure our voices are heard in this process too. It’s not too late for more people to get involved in the campaign in whatever way possible “
See the Formal notice of rejection attached.https://www.eplanning.ie/GalwayCC/AppFileRefDetails/2561691/0