A group opposed to plans for a biogas plant in Gort have published have a transparency statement on its membership and funding management.

The Gort Biogas Concern Group CLG said it had done so to clarify to donors how funding is spent and its “bone fide membership”.

The group opposes plans by Sustainable Bio-Energy Ltd for a biogas plant on a 10.1hectare site in the townlands of Ballynamantan, Kinincha and Glenbrack, Gort.

The group are hoping to seek a judicial review of An Bord Pleanála’s decision to grant planning permission.

The group said €82,000 has been raised in two weeks since the launch of a fundraising campaign and in a statement added, “The company’s sole purpose is to use funding to challenge legally via a judicial review and any legal and expert fees tendered. No other spending outside this remit is permitted”.

In the statement Gort Biogas Concern Group said it would “like to express their gratitude for the amazing generous response to their fundraising appeal, in order to protect Gort and South Galway from a catastrophic biogas development. From far and near people have donated 82.000 euro in less then two weeks after the public meeting on January 4. Contributions continue to grow, giving the group the strength to push onwards”.

The group said that it it wished to clarify to its donors how the funding is managed and to underline bona-fide membership and solid company structure.

According to the statement, “The company Gort Biogas Concern Group CLG was established in 2021 in order to control and clarify the objective of the group. This was important to protect the group’s volunteer members, should the campaign need to move towards a judicial review and further. It was also important to represent the community legitimately and with complete transparency”.

A statement outlining the group’s funding campaign and management was published online on January 16.

It includes the names of directors, accountants and legal and finance teams.

The group said, “Access to accounts is strictly controlled by joint treasurers and company secretary. Our finances are returned annually by our above named company accountant. The company’s sole purpose is to use funding to challenge legally via a judicial review and any legal and expert fees tendered. No other spending outside this remit is permitted. Volunteers do not and cannot claim expenses or personal costs. Our accounts are available for inspection after CRO annual submissions. Receipts are issued only if requested and the company advises donors to keep proof of lodgement or pledge. It is hoped that the above information gives a clear and concise explanation as to how our company insures transparency and control of the most appreciated community and business contributions”.

Meanwhile, the concern group are organising walks to the proposed site of the biogas plant every Sunday afternoon.

The walk, which will include information on the development, leaves Lidl car park at 2pm.

Gort Biogas Concern Group CLG  said it wished to sincerely thank the wider community for their continued financial support for the group’s campaign.

Related News

teddy o'hanlon helen downey paul hayes tj mcnamara sean ahern 1
Bank debt of €1m plus cleared by members of East Clare Golf Club
Status Red Weather Warning
Surprise orange fire warning for Clare
the outing 09-02-24 12
Joint bid from The Outing, QuareClare & Limerick Pride shortlisted to host EuroPride 2028
lidl ennistymon 1
Lidl lodge appeal with An Bord Pleanála over Council refusing Ennistymon store

Advertisement

Latest News
teddy o'hanlon helen downey paul hayes tj mcnamara sean ahern 1
Bank debt of €1m plus cleared by members of East Clare Golf Club
7
The benefits of celery juice to your health
fergal cahill 1
Cahill joins board of Limerick Chamber
Status Red Weather Warning
Surprise orange fire warning for Clare
DSC_5438
Growing all year around with Clare Garden Festival
Premium
scariff greenway 1
Limerick to Scariff Greenway 'gone very quite' & 'well behind schedule'
clare v limerick minor 18-04-24 graham ball 1
Clare minor hurlers looking to make their mark as championship commences
clare v waterford u20 04-05-24 james organ 1
Organ helps Clare grind out win over Waterford
pepper 1
Sentencing of Pepper Group laptop thief postponed until Leaving Cert concludes
claire joe collins 1
'Check upstairs & outside' - inquest hears details on death of Kilnaboy couple

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Advertisement