Drakestown Community Group has raised nearly €7,500 so far in objection to plans for an industrial pig farm in Castletown, Co. Meath.

Plans were submitted by John Kearns and granted by Meath County Council, to include the construction of a pig house on top of an existing manure storage tank.

The plans include all ancillary structures, such as meal storage bins and associated site works, including completion of a site entrance.

Drakestown Community Group are appealing Meath County Council's decision, as the group states that the pig farm "would change the nature of the area forever".

A Go-Fund Me page set up by the community lists numerous concerns about the plans, which include the following: Threat to health, due to contamination; Environmental destruction; Water contamination from slurry spreading; and increased traffic and infrastructure strain.

The group has also listed animal welfare concerns, describing the planning design as "outdated" and "non-compliant", and that it "does not meet modern pig welfare standards".

The community has drawn on environmental reports researched for the purpose of the project, which also mention concerns for the endangered barn owl, which is known to use the hedgerows in this area.

The group stated: "We are proud custodians of a diverse range of bird species and wildlife, flora and fauna, some of which are endangered or have only recently recovered. This piggery threatens to reverse years of conservation efforts in one reckless decision."

The group has set a target of raising €10,000, with funding to be used for legal action, further expert environmental assessments to strengthen cases, and to raise public awareness.

A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) will be submitted with the planning application, and a decision from An Bord Pleanála is due on June 30, 2025.