Liam and Donal Fitzpatrick, SPAR Ireland independent retailers operating SPAR Junction 14, open a BioCNG (Bio Compressed Natural Gas) refuelling station. SPAR Junction 14 was the first of its kind in Ireland when it introduced its range of shopping and dining facilities for transient customers in 2011. The location has consistently been at the forefront of the industry since that time.

Supported by Gas Networks Ireland, the new BioCNG offering is set to 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 to be completed and the tenth operational station across Ireland.

Renewable Biogas

Liam Fitzpatrick said about the opening, “We are delighted that Junction 14 is the first BioCNG station on the M7, providing renewable biogas produced by recycling agricultural and food waste here in our home county. Having opened this facility 13 years ago, we have seen the demand for renewable fuels growing steadily throughout this time. The addition of biogas represents another step in that commitment to utilise and offer sustainable options on Ireland’s motorway transport network. Junction 14 was the first motorway public electrical charging point with 50kw and 11kw units in 2011. In 2021, we installed an eight-bay Supercharger unit, which will be doubled in number in early 2025.”

Driving a circular economy

The BioCNG offering marks a major milestone in Ireland’s journey toward decarbonising its commercial transport sector, which is responsible for up to 20 per cent of the country’s transport emissions. This BioCNG station will supply biomethane produced locally in Kildare by Green Generation, using local food and farm waste, supporting Ireland’s circular economy by converting waste into renewable energy. BioCNG offers a cleaner alternative to diesel, reducing harmful emissions from HGVs and helping Ireland meet its ambitious climate action targets.

Paying tribute to Liam and Donal Fitzpatrick, SPAR Ireland Sales Director Colin Donnelly said, “From the moment Liam and Donal (Fitzpatrick) opened SPAR Junction 14, they have proven themselves to be innovators and trendsetters. 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.”

Sustainable fleet

BWG Foods, owners and operators of the SPAR brand in Ireland, have one of the most sustainable fleets in the industry, including 28 BioCNG-powered HGVs. Logistics Director Joanne Mellon said “This new BioCNG station is a vital addition to the industry and is at the fore of helping Ireland transition to a cleaner energy future, by providing a low carbon fuel alternative to diesel. BWG Foods is committed to doing our part in adopting and pioneering more sustainable delivery options for our over 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.”

Source: BWG Foods

Read more about SPAR Ireland

About SPAR Ireland

The SPAR brand is one of Ireland’s largest convenience retail organisations, and has been serving communities in Ireland for over sixty years. From the time it opened its first store in Dublin in 1963, SPAR Ireland has been a leader in Irish convenience retailing, bringing consumers the most innovative products and in-store offerings.