Sinn Féin Councillor Gary Doherty has urged Donegal County Council to be cautious over plans to construct a new Anaerobic Digester near Castlefin.
Cllr Gary Doherty
Plans have been submitted to Donegal County Council for a new Anaerobic Digester to be built by Glenmore Estate Ltd.
The proposed new facility will be located in the townland of Cavanaweary which lies between Castlefinn and Doneyloop.
Anaerobic digestion involves the breakdown of organic material, i.e. animal manure to create a biogas, consisting of methane, carbon dioxide and traces of other ‘contaminant’ gases. This biogas can be used directly as fuel, in combined heat and power gas engines or upgraded to natural gas-quality biomethane.
Cllr Dohery said “I am not opposed in principle to this Anaerobic digester being built. But I do feel that there is a lack of information about what the proposed site will entail and what impact it will have on the people and the environment in the area.
“I will be organising a public meeting on this issue as I feel the public require more information as to what effect this new plant will have on the town and its environs. Sinn Féin are supportive of green energy as a concept, but each case must be discussed on its own merits and as yet the community in Castlefinn are in the dark over the impact this will have.
“I have been in contact with residents in Sion Mills who have opposed the building of this facility in their town and I feel it is only right and proper that the people of Castlefinn are consulted and informed on this process.”