Banagher Chilling case back with Bord Pleanála

An Bord Pleanála is to reassess the planning status of a proposed major beef processing plant in Banagher, almost three years after it first approved the project.

The planning board in June 2022 gave permission to Banagher Chilling Ltd for the development, at Boheradurrow and Meenwaun, Banagher, subject to 15 conditions.

It followed an almost 22-month assessment of an appeal by Desmond Kampff and Gwen Wordingham, with addresses in Banagher, against Offaly County Council's grant of planning permission.

Banagher Chilling had previously been given approval by the local authority in July 2020 for what was described as a €25m project which 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 near Banagher.

Kampff and Wordingham brought judicial review proceedings over An Bord Pleanála's decision, which culminated in the grant of planning permission being quashed by order of the High Court in late February.

The applicants had expressed concern at the potential environmental impacts from the proposed meat processing facility, including on nearby waters, in particular the status of the Rapemills River, of which the Feeghroe stream is part.

An Bord Pleanála conceded the case, and said it would consent to an order to reconsider Banagher Chilling Limited’s planning application.

The case was reactivated with the planning board on April 16 and a decision is now due by August 19.