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Sinn Féin councillor Stiofán Conaty urged the government to establish clear planning guidelines for biomethane facilities, which were removed from the final National Biomethane Strategy. His comments were made during a Cavan County Council meeting discussing a proposed anaerobic digester in Cootehill, where Gas Networks Ireland has also identified other towns for potential investment.

Conaty acknowledged the benefits of biomethane production, including support for farmers and rural communities, but raised concerns from local residents about pollution, noise, and health risks associated with the development. The Cootehill Biogas Concern Group formed to oppose the project, arguing it threatens the town's industrial growth. Conaty criticized the lack of government guidelines on facility locations and emphasized the need for proper planning before implementing the rollout of new anaerobic digestion facilities in County Cavan and the Border Region.