Since 2019, the people of South Galway have stood united against the proposed construction of an industrial-scale biogas plant in Gort, Co. Galway. What began as a small but determined group of volunteers from the Gort Biogas Concern Group (GBCG) has grown into a community-driven campaign. Backed by unrelenting local support, the group has taken its fight all the way to the High Court via a judicial review of An Bord Pleanála’s planning approval.

Compare this community-led effort to the power of international agri-business investors, well-funded and backed by professional consultants. It quickly becomes clear how easily small communities can be marginalised and bulldozed by corporate interests without the support of statutory planning regulations.

A turning tide

Over the years, GBCG has assisted other community groups facing the same daunting situation we faced. These groups have in turn assisted others with their campaigns, and together using our shared experiences and knowledge we have been able to build a stronger, more coordinated response. Seven community groups across Ireland now use the moniker Biogas Concern Group, and several more exist under different names.

A harmonised voice

The need for unity saw the formation of the National Biogas Concern Group, a coalition providing a strong, harmonised voice in Ireland in response to the poorly regulated biogas boom. Led by members of the Swinford Biogas Concern Group, the NBCG mission is straightforward:

The National Biogas Concern Group, Ireland, champions the safeguarding of the environment and supports renewable energy projects that are fair and respectful of rural residents, wildlife, natural resources, and European law. We advocate for binding planning regulations for anaerobic digestion (AD) developments that ensure rigorous environmental protections, genuine community involvement, and appropriately scaled, circular bioenergy systems sited at safe distances from homes and proper road infrastructure.

The EU perspective

The National Biogas Concern Group is part of a wider European movement through our collaboration with Foodrise, a coalition that highlights the risks of the ongoing biomethane rush.

Although the biogas industry is more established in other EU countries, significant mistakes have been made. Ireland, still in the early stages of this industry, now stands on a precipice. Without strong regulation, we are poised to repeat those same mistakes, chasing unrealistic production targets at the cost of our environment and local communities.

We have already experienced breaches of planning and environmental law from existing biogas plants in Ireland due to poor regulation, monitoring and enforcement. The government’s National Biomethane Strategy aims to build 200 more biogas plants by 2030.

Leinster House – a chance to voice concerns to policymakers

National Biogas Concern Group, will meet outside Leinster House on the 11th of June 2025, to voice concerns to our elected representatives about the lack of statutory planning regulations in the face of the biogas boom.