Planning board queries climate impact of Offaly beef plant plan

The developers of a proposed €25m beef processing plant in Banagher have been asked to provide more information on some of the potential climate change impacts of the proposed development.

Banagher Chilling Ltd was given planning approval by Offaly County Council in July 2020 for that facility but that decision was subsequently appealed to An Bord Pleanála.

The project involves “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.

There has been significant delays in the adjudication of the appeal. However, a decision is now likely shortly, following the submission of the further information by the applicants.

It's understood the inspector's report on the appeal went before the board of An Bord Pleanála in mid-February, but a decision was deferred and instead the board sought further information on the indirect climate change impacts of the proposed development.

It said the indirect impacts on climate “could make the achievement of the overall emissions reduction targets in the agriculture sector more difficult”.

The application included an Environmental Impact Assessment Report but the board said it was its view that the potential climate change impacts were wider than the direct impacts assessed in that report.

It cited the indirect impacts from the potential increase in the national herd size arising from both the increased processing capacity and potential for additional exports to the Chinese market.

It also raised the issue of the climate change impact from the transportation of the end product to export markets. The board said it was not possible to quantify these on the basis of the information presented and requested the applicant to assess these matters by March 9.

Laois/Offaly Fianna Fail TD Barry Cowen said, as a result of this request for information, he has asked An Bord Pleanála where in Government policy it is stated that the national herd should be reduced or that competition in the beef sector should be restricted. Deputy Cowen told the Offaly Independent he is also querying why the planning board would not take due regard to the Supreme Court decision to reject an appeal against planning approval for the Glanbia cheese factory in Kilkenny based on the issue of whether indirect climate change impacts had been assessed. He said that the board had not receiving directions from any Minister to raise the issue of indirect impacts on climate change or the size of the national herd.

Banagher Chilling Limited previously estimated that the Offaly plant would cost €25.59 million and would create employment for 110 people once complete, as well as 250 jobs during construction. Banagher Chilling Limited, which is backed by a consortium of Chinese investors, said its development would allow a maximum slaughter rate of 140 cattle per day.

Meanwhile, both Deputy Cowen and Deputy Carol Nolan have also hit out at delays in the An Bord Pleanála process.

Deputy Nolan said: “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.”

“What has been equally frustrating throughout this entire saga is that An Bord Pleanála have failed to provide a single substantive reason as to what is actually causing the delay. We must have answers on this matter and we must have clarity as soon as possible,” concluded Deputy Nolan.

Deputy Cowen said he found it “very frustrating as a public representative” that an appeal of this nature can take so long to adjudicate/ “Our region and its economy has suffered a setback with the acceleration of decarbonisation resulting in much job losses as a result of the closure of power plants in Shannonbridge and Lanesboro. Those closures consequently impacted negatively on Bord na Mona activities also. “It’s imperative then that new industry, innovation and investment emerge in the region. This development is one such investment that can and will benefit the local economy together with many farm families,” he said.