An Bord Pleanála had faced criticism for taking so long to make a decision.
A proposed new multi-million euro meat plant in Offaly has been granted approval after a two year wait.
An Bord Pleanála had been considering an appeal on the Banagher Chilling development since July 2020.
Responding to the news that approval has now been granted, Laois-Offaly independent TD Carol Nolan says;
“At long last a decision has now been made that is capable of opening up the beef market in Ireland and offering increased competition and better prices for farmers.
“It is a pity it took so long to get to this point, but finally, after what appeared to be an inability to arrive at any kind of decision, and interminable environmental due diligence, we are now in a position to move forward and ensure that Offaly and indeed the wider region can be seen as open to large scale inward investment."
Deputy Nolan says she was initially informed in January of 2021 that an An Bord Pleanála inspector's report would be completed within the next two weeks.
READ MORE: Claims New Midlands Meat Plant Is Being "Willfully Obstructed"
The news is also being welcomed by Fianna Fáil TD Barry Cowen;
"...the development will be most welcome for the community and region in the first instance with the job creation associated with its construction but also of course as a competitive outlet for farming sector.
"New competition ensures markets can be filled creating new opportunities thus allowing farm families get fair prices for quality produce.
"I intend now to engage with the promoters of Banagher Chilling project, review the grant of permission and any conditions attached with a view to progressing and proceeding to its construction."
Last May, Deputy Cowen received the support of the Dáil when he introduced a Bill which proposes to amend the Planning and Development Act 2000 to ensure that every appeal or referral is determined within a period of 12 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Board of the appeal or referral.
“In this day and age at a time especially of such increased costs associated with developments and at a time of housing crisis too, it is not good enough that proposed developments which meet all the necessary criteria and receive planning permission from the relevant local authority can be delayed by an ABP appeal for two years.
“The Judicial Review system then can further delay much needed, warranted and merited developments for possibly another 2/3 years.
"Such delays and procrastination have curtailed this country’s response to the housing crisis and hampered/delayed and ensured the loss of some commercial developments. It’s essential that Govt prescribe amendments to Planning and Development Act to unblock this serious impediment," Deputy Cowen added.
The Irish Farmers' Association is also welcoming the "long-awaited" approval, which it says will bring a welcome boost to the beef market.
Offaly County Chair, Pat Walsh commented;
"This will offer increase competition, opportunity and better prices for farmers, which can only be a positive thing for the future of the Industry. [I'm] happy that this will offer job opportunities in the Banaher area and Offaly as this area has suffered huge job losses with the closure of Bord na Móna in the last number of years."
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