Lisnacunna 'digester' appeal is refused

THE ‘digester’ planned for Enniskeane – which breaks down biodegradable materials – will not now go ahead.

Residents near Lisnacunna, Enniskeane had expressed concerns earlier this year over plans for the construction of the anaerobic digester.

But An Bord Pleanála have now refused an appeal by the facility’s proposers.

‘We are delighted with the news that An Bord Pleanála has refused the appeal. This was a marvellous community effort, with effective cross-party support from councillors which has ensured a victory for common sense and justice,’ said a spokesperson for Lisnacunna Anaerobic Digester Concern Group.

The group was formed after over 500 local residents signed a petition against the planned facility and they met with local councillors in the area to voice their concerns about building it in their locality.

Pat Coffey of Lisnacunna was seeking planning permission to build the facility at his farm in Lisnacunna, which was to include the construction of digester tanks, pre-storage tanks and storage tanks. 

Cork County Council refused planning permission for the digester back in April and Mr Coffey appealed the decision to An Bord Pleanála.

Planning inspector Kenneth Moloney said in his report that ‘having regard to the scale and extent of the overall proposed development, including the nature of the intended waste streams and their likely origins, the proposed development which is located in a greenfield agricultural area would have a detrimental effect on the character and setting of this rural area and would be contrary to Policy Objective ED 4-3 of the Cork County Development Plan 2014-2020.’  

Mr Moloney also pointed out that the ‘proposed development would be visually obtrusive and would seriously injure the visual amenities of the area and would depreciate the value of property in the area.’

 He concluded that the proposed development at Lisacunna would, therefore be ‘contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.’