Meeting over proposed Drybridge power plant tonight

Residents opposed to plans for a 180MW gas-fired power station at Drybridge are holding an information meeting in Tullyallen tonight (Tuesday, 10th November).

The meeting, organised by the Battle of the Boyne Residents Group, will take place upstairs in Glen Emmets GFC from 8pm to 9pm. The group is inviting members of the public to attend and learn more about the proposed development and the campaign against it.

The plans, submitted to Louth County Council by Woodsmane Limited, are for a gas-powered peaking plant beside the existing Drybridge 110kV electricity substation, near Tullyallen and Drogheda.

The proposed 180MW facility would comprise three open-cycle gas turbine generators, each with an exhaust stack measuring 23 metres. Natural gas would be used as the primary fuel, with liquid fuel as a secondary supply.

The application seeks a 10-year planning permission for a development intended to operate for 40 years. It was lodged with Louth County Council in October under planning reference 2660701

The residents' group is campaigning against the proposal under the banner “Save the Battle of the Boyne Landscape”, arguing that the historic landscape should be protected from industrial development.

Its campaign material describes the Boyne Valley as a heritage landscape that should be preserved for future generations.

Concerns raised locally include the potential impact on the surrounding environment, the historic landscape and tourism in the area. A public meeting held in Tullyallen last week also attracted residents, local representatives and campaigners opposed to the plans.

The planning application is currently under consideration by Louth County Council, with observations listed as closing on 17th November