The Coakley Group, the Glasgow-based company behind a £22.5M biogas, waste management and renewable energy facility being constructed next to the M74, has appointed a new management team to oversee its development.

Tom Coakley, owner of the property and renewable energy specialists, has moved from managing director to chairman and made two appointments to handle the day-to-day running of the business.

David Tannahill has been recruited from Anglo Irish Bank to become new managing director of the group with a remit to predominantly handle its property portfolio. David will also work closely with Ron Coakley, who has been appointed managing director of Proactive Energy – The Coakley Group’s sister company – which is responsible for the development of the M74 facility.

The news comes as Proactive Energy confirms it has applied for the construction of two turbines with capability to provide 4.6MW of wind power at the M74 site in addition to the 5MW energy from waste plant already consented. New chairman Tom says the appointments demonstrate the group’s ambition to make a real contribution to Scotland’s renewable energy offering.

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He added: “I’m delighted to announce these appointments which are timed perfectly to allow us to concentrate our efforts on increasing our renewable energy offering and to realise the potential of the M74 facility. Both David and Ron bring a wealth of experience to the table as well as the enthusiasm and drive which will be invaluable as the group moves forward both in property and in renewables.

“We are absolutely committed to creating a cleaner and safer environment which is supported by the significant investment we have made in the M74 site. The Coakley Group and Proactive Energy will aim to make the best use of land and capitalise on the vast renewable energy opportunities available to Scotland.

“As well as energy from waste and wind power we are also currently investigating the potential for introducing a solar energy element to the park.”

Qualified CA Tannahill joins The Coakley Group from Anglo Irish Bank where he served as a senior manager for six years - the University of Glasgow graduate was previously with PricewaterhouseCoopers.

He said: “I’m delighted to join the Coakley Group which has over many years built a strong reputation in property and real estate investment in Scotland and across the UK.

“While that area of the business will be my core responsibility I will also be working closely with Ron and Proactive Energy to grow the group’s renewable energy output.”

The M74 site will be Scotland’s primary sustainable energy eco-park and will incorporate one of the UK’s biggest biogas facilities, with an environmentally-friendly process converting organic waste into electricity which will in turn be supplied to the National Grid.

(GK)