Ballyhoura Development CLG is launching Ballyhoura BioLoop, a ‘food to fuel’ pilot creating micro-circular economies in three locations in the Ballyhoura region of South East Limerick through food waste, clean energy and community planting.
At the heart of the pilot is a community-led approach, where food waste is transformed into clean energy and liquid fertiliser, with the fertiliser returned for use and benefit within the local community.
The pilot will introduce three MyGug anaerobic biodigesters to the region, with the first demonstrator site launching at Deebert House Hotel in Kilmallock in September 2026, in partnership with Kilmallock Tidy Towns, who will benefit from the liquid fertiliser. Learning from the demonstrator site will support the installation of two further biodigesters in the region in early 2027.
Ballyhoura BioLoop partners community tourism businesses and community kitchenswith MyGug - an anaerobic digester which transforms food waste into clean, efficient and environmentally friendly biogas for cooking as well as liquid fertiliser for gardening. The pilot will demonstrate a fully circular approach, closing the loop with each kitchen partnering with a Tidy Towns group who will receive and use the liquid fertiliser to increase their growing power.
Kate Longmate, Development Officer with Ballyhoura Development, said:
"I first came across the MyGug Biodigesters at a Pure Cork Sustainable Tourism event and was inspired by the possibilities they open up for true circularity of food waste. I am excited to now be able to deploy three of them for the benefit of community kitchens, and sustainable rural tourism in the Ballyhoura region thanks to support from the Community Climate Action Programme."
Documentary evidence gathered during the pilot will assess the impact of this new technology on the costs of food waste disposal and energy, and updates on the progress and experiences of participants will be published on the Ballyhoura Development website. Information and learnings will also be shared via in-person and online events taking place throughout the pilot.
Fiona Kelleher from Amugreen & MyGug said:
"We are inspired by the leadership being shown by Ballyhoura Development and the communities of the Ballyhoura region in embracing positive climate action through practical, innovative solutions. This project demonstrates how communities and local businesses can take meaningful action on climate change while creating tangible environmental and economic benefits.
Margaret Atalla, owner of Deebert House Hotel, said:
“As we continue on our journey towards sustainability, we are constantly looking for ways to improve the environment in the hotel and in our local community. Managing food waste always presents challenges for us. We were curious and excited when we heard about MyGug, we are excited to embark on the next stage of the journey, and it is rewarding to know that we will save on energy and also reduce our carbon emissions by using MyGug.”
The Ballyhoura BioLoop Pilot is being delivered under the Community Climate Action Programme Strand 1 Phase 2 funded by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment and administered by Limerick City and County Council.
Kieran Reeves, Climate Action Coordinator, Limerick City & County Council, said:
“This project is an excellent example of community led climate action in practice, harnessing food waste and turning it into a sustainable source of energy and soil enhancement. It reflects the innovation, collaboration and leadership that the Community Climate Action Programme is designed to foster, empowering communities across Limerick to become active participants in the transition to a low-carbon future.”
The two further biodigesters will be available to Community Kitchens and Community Tourism Businesses by open application.
Those interested in taking part and using a biodigester can complete an Expression of Interest Form or contact Kate Longmate, Development Officer, at klongmate@ballyhoura.org.
An online launch of Ballyhoura BioLoop will be held on September 24th at 3pm. Details and registration are available at ballyhouradevelopment.com.
