Residents, schools and community organisations in Claremorris, Co Mayo have pledged to fight plans to build a €135 million gas turbine power station.
More than 160 objections have been lodged against the proposal to build the 100-megawatt electricity generating station in a business park on the edge of the town. They claim the plant would present environmental and noise pollution hazards.
Mayo County Council is set to adjudicate on the application by Mountside Properties Ltd to build the station, which would include two 20m stacks. The proposed location, about a kilometre from the town centre, is on a site owned by Mayo County Council.
A recent protest meeting attracted about 500 people. Among the objectors are Claremorris Chamber of Commerce, which says the plant contravenes the local development plan.
Mountside Properties Ltd has argued that the plant would contribute to the security of electricity supply.