Inspector's report on Banagher Chilling appeal due within two weeks

Independent TD for Laois-Offaly Carol Nolan has had it confirmed to her by An Bord Pleanála that the report of the inspector who is assessing the appeal relating to the proposed Banagher Chilling project will be completed within the next two weeks.

Banagher Chilling Ltd. was given planning approval on July 26, 2020, by Offaly County Council, subject to 21 conditions, for what's described as “a single storey extension to the existing abattoir” and the construction of a food processing factory of 4,925 square metres, on a 19.6 hectare site at Boheradurrow and Meenwaun, Banagher.

However, that decision was subsequently appealed to An Bord Pleanála in August 2020 by local residents.

Deputy Nolan has been repeatedly engaging with An Bord Pleanála on the matter of the appeal, a decision on which was first due in January 2021.

She said a subsequent deadline of March 1, 2021, had also come and gone.

“Fast forward to September 2021 and An Bord Pleanála were still not in a position to confirm to me when the inspector would submit the report on the appeal," she said.

"It would appear, however, that the seemingly endless series of delays relating to the receipt of this report may be coming to an end and while this is welcome, serious questions remain as to why this planning saga dragged on for so long.

"I have repeatedly made it clear just how important this new facility could be in terms of stimulating the local rural economy, expanding market competition and making Offaly attractive as a site capable of generating inward investment.

An Bord Pleanála says that on receipt of the inspector's report the file will be given formal consideration by its board.

Deputy Nolan warned: "When that happens, we must not have a repeat of the kind of drawn-out process that has characterised the appeal review."

"We need clarity and certainty on this matter as soon as possible,” concluded Deputy Nolan.