Glanbia Ireland has been given the green light to progress with its cheese manufacturing facility at its Belview site in a decision made by the High Court today (Tuesday, April 20).
In a brief statement reacting to the decision, a spokesperson for Glanbia said:
“Glanbia Ireland welcomes the decision of the High Court to uphold the decision of An Bord Pleanála to grant planning permission for its new continental cheese processing plant at Belview.
“The new plant, which is to be developed under a joint venture agreement with our Dutch partner Royal A-Ware, is a vital Brexit diversification measure and is important for rural Ireland and for Ireland’s dairy sector as a whole.
The Belview plant was approved for planning permission by Kilkenny County Council in November 2019.
Following an appeal by An Taisce against that decision, An Bord Pleanála granted final permission on June 30, 2020.
An Taisce then sought a Judicial Review of that decision – with the results of this announced this morning.
The Judicial Review was given by Glanbia as a reason for the processor announcing its peak milk supply management mechanism last month.
Among the measures is a €6.7 million Voluntary Peak Reduction scheme that will be funded by Glanbia Co-operative Society.