Independent TD for Laois-Offaly Carol Nolan has said there is considerable anger and frustration emerging following the confirmation from An Bord Pleanála (APB) that it is not in a position to determine the outcome of an appeal related to the Banagher meat processing plant in Co. Offaly.
Deputy Nolan said that ABP has indicated it has yet to receive the inspector’s report on the appeal, which was due by March 1, and that this has now made it impossible for a determination to be made on the case.
Kampff lives around 1km from the proposed development and the appeal states that existing meat processing plants in the region are currently operating at or under capacity.
A decision was originally expected from ABP in January, but the decision was deferred at that time.
Delayed decision
Deputy Carol Nolan has said: “This latest setback is totally unacceptable particularly as the board had been due to make a decision on January 4. Now here we are almost two months past that date and we have yet another delay.
This is only going to deepen the perception that any attempt to open up the meat market in the midlands and in Offaly, will be subject to endless delays and bureaucratic nonsense.
“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 Co. Offaly attractive as a site capable of generating inward investment.
“However, none of that appears to be registering with An Bord Pleanála in the slightest,” she added.
The independent TD said that the whole planning process and ongoing delay is working against local interests in Co. Offaly and commitments made to beef farmers in the Programme for Government.
She said:
The communities of Offaly and indeed the wider midlands region deserve clarity and commitment to this project. That is not being helped by this latest delay.
An Bord Pleanála cannot confirm a date for decision at this time as it awaits the report of its own inspector.