Spar has announced the opening of a new bio-compressed natural gas (BioCNG) refuelling station at Junction 14 on the M7 motorway.
This marks a major milestone in Ireland’s journey towards decarbonising its commercial transport sector, which is responsible for up to 20% of the country’s transport emissions.
Liam and Donal Fitzpatrick opened Fitzpatrick’s Spar Junction 14 in 2011, and they now own and operate the premises.
Gas Networks Ireland is supporting the new BioCNG offering.
Spar and BWG Foods hope that the development will transform one of Ireland’s busiest transport corridors into a cleaner and more sustainable route for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).
It is the sixth public CNG station and the tenth operational station in total across Ireland.
The new BioCNG station will supply biomethane produced locally in Kildare by Green Generation.
BWG Foods – owner and operator of the Spar brand in Ireland – has one of the most sustainable fleets in the industry, which includes 28 BioCNG-powered HGVs.
‘Sustainable Options’
Commenting, Liam Fitzpatrick said, “We are delighted that Junction 14 is the first BioCNG station on the M7, providing renewable biogas that has been produced through the recycling of agricultural and food waste here in our home county.
“Having opened this motorway services facility on the M7 13 years ago, we have seen the demand for renewable fuels growing steadily throughout that time.
“The addition of biogas represents another step in that commitment to utilise and offer sustainable options on Ireland’s motorway transport network.”
Spar sales director Colin Donnelly added, “From the moment Liam and Donal opened the Spar Junction 14 back in 2011, they have proven themselves to be innovators and trendsetters, and as the demand for sustainable transport options grows, the opening of the BioCNG station at Junction 14 provides a vital infrastructure solution for the myriad of haulage and transport operators who will avail of this new service.
“I congratulate Liam, Donal, and all the team and wish them every success with this addition to the fabulous offering on the M7 corridor.”
BWG Foods’ logistics director, Joanne Mellon, highlighted the importance of the development, saying, “BWG Foods is committed to doing our part in adopting and pioneering more sustainable delivery options for our more than 1,000 retail partners throughout Ireland, and this development is to be celebrated.
“Well done to Liam and Donal Fitzpatrick on this hugely positive development.”
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