Latest news with #TJMaher
RTÉ News
23-05-2025
- Health
- RTÉ News
Opposition TDs take issue with Government's badger-culling programme
Pádraic Fogarty, ecologist and TJ Maher, Chair of the IFA's Animal Health Committee, debate the need to cull wild badgers as part of efforts to prevent the spread of TB in cattle.
Irish Independent
21-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Major Nua Bioenergy plant gets go-ahead in Tipperary
Nua Bioenergy Limited has been given the green light by the county council for the construction of an anaerobic digestion plant consisting of four primary digester tanks, each measuring 7.6 m in height. The site is in the townland of Killoran, Moyne. The plans have attracted submissions and observations from around a dozen parties. Purser Development Consultants Limited wrote to the council on behalf of their client, Nua Bioenergy Ltd, saying: 'The proposed development offers a state-of-the-art biomethane and bio-based fertiliser production facility designed to significantly boost Ireland's biogas output. 'This facility will play a pivotal role in mitigating agricultural waste and curbing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the agricultural sector. 'By aligning with the strategic goals of the Tipperary County Development Plan 2022-2028, and fulfilling both national and regional policy objectives, this project demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainable energy practices and environmental stewardship.' Local landowner TJ Maher was among those who raised concerns about the development, citing the potential for devaluation of land, and its impact on his family in the future, adding that 'odour and smells omitted will attract vermin and possible disease for my livestock adjacent to the proposed site'. Additionally, 'my access road to my lands is not good enough for the expected volume of heavy traffic expect to import 98,000 tons of waste to feed the anaerobic digester plant. Also heavy traffic during construction of the site'. Nearby local residents David Hogan and Mary Anne Cantwell-Hogan cited concerns about the site notice, the site location of the proposed development in relation to local residential housing, the operating hours and manufacturing processes involved, the environmental impacts such as noise, air, and light pollution, the risk of explosion, and devaluation of property. There are to be three secondary digester tanks, along with the four primaries, each measuring 14.5m in height, along with four feed hoppers, four technical rooms ranging in size from 35 sqm to 95 sqm, two biogas conditioning units, and process, storage and buffer tanks of various heights. These components will be located within a containment bund constructed 3m below ground level. The proposed development will also consist of feedstock storage comprised of three storage clamps and two 500 sqm storage sheds. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more The plans include a biomethane upgrading plant, including a natural gas compression unit, a biomethane loading facility consisting of four loading bays with associated gates and safety features measuring 490 sqm in area. Provision is made for a biomass boiler with its associated pellet storage silo, 12.5 m in height, and a combined heat and power (CHP) plant and associated heat exchanger. The plans include a single storey bio-based fertiliser processing and storage unit of 3,890 sqm, including a digestate dewatering plant, fertiliser pasteurisation plant and bio-based fertiliser loading facilities. Additionally, there will be a single storey office building of 105 sqm, including offices, a meeting room, control room, laboratory, welfare facilities, a storeroom and a first-aid facility, along with bin storage. There will be nine car parking spaces, including five standard parking spaces, two electric vehicle (EV) spaces and one accessible car parking space, electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, ten bicycle parking spaces, along with vehicular, cyclist and pedestrian access and egress and associated circulation routes. The project includes two weighbridges, a vehicle steam wash area, a fuel storage tank, an emergency flare 7.6 m in height, a process area runoff lagoon, attenuation pond, an ESB sub-station, and all boundary treatments such as gates, piers, fencing, and site lighting. The council granted planning permission on May 6 subject to 14 conditions.
Irish Independent
21-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Major Nua Bioenergy plant gets go-ahead in Co Tipperary
Nua Bioenergy Limited has been given the green light by the county council for the construction of an anaerobic digestion plant consisting of four primary digester tanks, each measuring 7.6 m in height. The site is in the townland of Killoran, Moyne. The plans have attracted submissions and observations from around a dozen parties. Purser Development Consultants Limited wrote to the council on behalf of their client, Nua Bioenergy Ltd, saying: 'The proposed development offers a state-of-the-art biomethane and bio-based fertiliser production facility designed to significantly boost Ireland's biogas output. 'This facility will play a pivotal role in mitigating agricultural waste and curbing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the agricultural sector. 'By aligning with the strategic goals of the Tipperary County Development Plan 2022-2028, and fulfilling both national and regional policy objectives, this project demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainable energy practices and environmental stewardship.' Local landowner TJ Maher was among those who raised concerns about the development, citing the potential for devaluation of land, and its impact on his family in the future, adding that 'odour and smells omitted will attract vermin and possible disease for my livestock adjacent to the proposed site'. Additionally, 'my access road to my lands is not good enough for the expected volume of heavy traffic expect to import 98,000 tons of waste to feed the anaerobic digester plant. Also heavy traffic during construction of the site'. Nearby local residents David Hogan and Mary Anne Cantwell-Hogan cited concerns about the site notice, the site location of the proposed development in relation to local residential housing, the operating hours and manufacturing processes involved, the environmental impacts such as noise, air, and light pollution, the risk of explosion, and devaluation of property. There are to be three secondary digester tanks, along with the four primaries, each measuring 14.5m in height, along with four feed hoppers, four technical rooms ranging in size from 35 sqm to 95 sqm, two biogas conditioning units, and process, storage and buffer tanks of various heights. These components will be located within a containment bund constructed 3m below ground level. The proposed development will also consist of feedstock storage comprised of three storage clamps and two 500 sqm storage sheds. ADVERTISEMENT The plans include a biomethane upgrading plant, including a natural gas compression unit, a biomethane loading facility consisting of four loading bays with associated gates and safety features measuring 490 sqm in area. Provision is made for a biomass boiler with its associated pellet storage silo, 12.5 m in height, and a combined heat and power (CHP) plant and associated heat exchanger. The plans include a single storey bio-based fertiliser processing and storage unit of 3,890 sqm, including a digestate dewatering plant, fertiliser pasteurisation plant and bio-based fertiliser loading facilities. Additionally, there will be a single storey office building of 105 sqm, including offices, a meeting room, control room, laboratory, welfare facilities, a storeroom and a first-aid facility, along with bin storage. There will be nine car parking spaces, including five standard parking spaces, two electric vehicle (EV) spaces and one accessible car parking space, electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, ten bicycle parking spaces, along with vehicular, cyclist and pedestrian access and egress and associated circulation routes. The project includes two weighbridges, a vehicle steam wash area, a fuel storage tank, an emergency flare 7.6 m in height, a process area runoff lagoon, attenuation pond, an ESB sub-station, and all boundary treatments such as gates, piers, fencing, and site lighting. The council granted planning permission on May 6 subject to 14 conditions.
Irish Independent
05-05-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Six of the best Garden County gardens to visit in Wicklow this summer
Patthana Garden, Kiltegan Proprietor TJ Maher's first book, Grounded in the Garden: An artist's guide to creating a beautiful garden in harmony with nature should tell you enough about what to expect in this small but wonderfully condensed garden, just outside Baltinglass. Developed over 25 years, it is a kaleidoscope of colour, with an array of shapes, textures and heights and is probably best described as a gardener's garden. But you won't need green fingers to enjoy it. The garden comprises of a lower cobbled courtyard with its potting shed and a sunken meditation room leading to the main courtyard with a small wildlife pond. Both these areas house an extensive collection of plants from the hardy to the tender and exotic. Circular granite steps lead to the inner garden with its borders of herbaceous perennials, tender plants and annuals and unusual shrubs and trees. Patthana is gardened organically with many plants chosen for their attraction to wildlife. In 2020, the garden was expanded following the purchase of adjoining land and a new garden called the 'Torc' garden was created and opened to the public in 2021, an area of pasture that had in it a selection of grasses and some wildflower. There are many events and workshops taking place throughout the summer and TJ's partner Simon Kirby serves amazing tea. Go to: Open every Friday & Sunday 12-5pm, April to September, Kiltegan, County Wicklow. Garden entry is €8.00. June Blake's Garden, Tinode, Blessington In the wee neighbourhood of Tinode, near Blessington, lies the home and enchanting garden of June Blake, and a visit here is like stepping into one of those Ladybird books with prairie-style planting and winding cobble paths against the focal point, which is Tinode House, built in 1860. All beds are raised and rectangular and are enclosed by dry stone walls and the paths lead the eye to the house. The gardens are spread over three acres, surrounded by a huddle of award-winning granite-stone farm conversions, which are available to stay one should you decide to make a night out of a pleasant day in the country. Booking is essential. For groups of 15 or more, booking a garden tour with June is advised. It is also possible to book refreshments and cakes in The Grinding House and there is ample parking for buses and cars. Open April to September, from Thursday to Sunday, 11.00am to 5pm. Coffee/refreshments served only on Saturdays and Sundays. Entry is free but parking is €2. National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh Having recently hosted its annual Rhododendron Week to show off its splendid trail, the 52-acre gardens, which are open year-round, are basking in the latest news that visitor numbers last year soared by some 21pc. It's not hard to discern why. Firstly, it's free to enter and explore; there are great facilities for family picnics, or you can dine in the cafe; plus there is always lots of new of planting so you will never really visit the same gardens twice. Kilmacurragh is particularly famous for its conifer and of course the rhododendron collections, while rare shrubs and plants also abound. Many of the species grown in the gardens are so rare that they may be the only one or two of their kind in Europe or even the Northern Hemisphere. There are free guided tours daily at 12pm and 3pm from mid March to mid October. However, the gates close if it gets to full, and the weekends do get very busy. Hunting Brook Gardens, Tinode, Blessington If you have visited June Blake's garden and fancy checking out what one of her siblings is up to, then Jimi Blake's garden, which he began building in 2001 when he secured 20 acres of his family estate in Blessington, is a dream. Nestled in the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains, Hunting Brook Gardens is made up of five acres of contemporary exotic gardens and 15 acres of woodland gardens and valley which are perfect for that day's respite. Designed to be a thoroughly immersive experience, the gardens are home to one of Ireland's largest private collections of plants and are a riot of colour, shape and texture. A bit like Kilmacurragh, the gardens are always on the move with fresh surprises at every visit and you can easily spend a day walking through what is really a secluded botanical paradise. There are tea rooms and visitors can also bring their own picnics. The gardens are open from April until September, Thursday to Saturday, from 11am to 4pm. Adult tickets are €10 and kids go free. Visit for details of courses, which are run both on site and online. Russborough House and Gardens Considered one of Ireland's most beautiful Georgian houses, Russborough offers magnificent views of the Blessington Lakes and Wicklow Mountains and is home to renowned art collections. But if its the gardens you've come for then this 200-acre estate offers walks and trails, a spectacular children's playground and fairy trail, and the National Bird of Prey Centre. Visitors can also see original 18th century features including a circular Hippodrome, the Walled Garden, Lady's Island with its Japanese inspired bridge, the ice-house, the lime kiln and the serpentine lakes. The glorious parkland walk is about two kilometres long and takes about 30 minutes and there are information boards which allow a pause. Also located here is a large beech hedge maze that is popular with visitors of all ages, so allow a bit of time to get lost . . . navigate. The Kitchen Garden Cafe serves up a nice selection of light lunches in warm and comfortable surroundings. There is also a delightful gift shop that sells gorgeous artisan handcrafted souvenirs and gifts. Russborough House is open for guided tours from December to March and the gardens are open throughout the year. Park tickets are €6.50 and children under five go free. You can book on Victor's Way, Roundwood While this is not a garden in the traditional sense, a visit here is a must given there is nothing like it in the county; nor, probably, the country. The Indian sculpture park, in the village of Roundwood, was last year unveiled as one of the most-loved Irish tourist spots based on user ratings on Tripadvisor. The sculpture garden is spread out over 22 acres and contains 33 black granite and three bronze sculptures ranging from 5ft to 15ft. The most recent addition is the statue of 'The Last Irish Druid', an 18-foot piece that is a sight to behold. It takes approximately one hour to walk around the park but there are plenty of places to stop and take a breath and admire the setting. All the sculptures were designed in Roundwood and then hand cut in a dedicated workshop in Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu in India. It's owner, Victor, advises that his garden was designed for 'disillusioned adults between 28 (minus 10) and 60 (plus 30) needing some quality time out and a bite of serendipity to reflect on the wider canvas of life, specifically their own'. Because some of the sculptures are a little bit scary, it's not recommended for children.
