Fitzpatrick’s SPAR Junction 14 opens new Bio CNG Refuelling Station

Fitzpatrick’s SPAR Junction 14, has just announced the opening of a new BioCNG (Bio Compressed Natural Gas) refuelling station on the very busy M7 motorway.

This 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.

SPAR Junction 14, owned and operated by Liam and Donal Fitzpatrick, was the first of its kind in Ireland when it introduced its range of shopping and dining facilities for transient customers in 2011 and has consistently been to the forefront of the industry since then. Supported by Gas Networks Ireland, this new Bio CNG offering is set to transform one of Ireland’s busiest transport corridors into a cleaner and more sustainable route for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). 

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.  Junction 14 was the first motorway public electrical charging point with 50kw and 11 kw units in 2011.  In 2021 we installed an eight bay Super charger unit, which will be doubled in number in early 2025.”

This new 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 Sales Director Colin Donnelly said, “From the moment Liam and Donal (Fitzpatrick) opened SPAR Junction 14 back in 2011 they have proven themselves to be innovators trend-setters 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, owners and operators of the SPAR brand in Ireland, have one of the most sustainable fleets in the industry, which includes 28 BioCNG powered HGVs and are delighted with the addition to the infrastructure, according to Logistics Director Joanne Mellon.

“This new BioCNG station is a vital addition to the industry and is to the fore in 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 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.”