Relief as €140m Kilkenny cheese plant can now go ahead as court saga ends
The €140 million cheese manufacturing facility in county Kilkenny can now go ahead after An Taisce’s objection to the projected was rejected.
Despite the huge Glanbia project being approved by Kilkenny County Council, and then again on appeal to An Bord Pleanála, An Taisce had controversially objected the ruling to the Court of Appeal.
But their objection was dismissed this morning, much to the delight of farming bodies and those who were backing the Belview plans.
Now the Irish Farmer’s Association is calling on Glanbia to begin work on the cheese plant without delay.
IFA President Tim Cullinan said: “The decision not to allow a further hearing of An Taisce’s objection to the Glanbia cheese plant is the fourth time the project has been upheld.
“An Taisce has a prescribed role in the planning system, but they also have a duty to act responsibly. On each occasion, the process has found everything is in order. Objecting for the sake of it is an abuse of the system.
“The Glanbia project was designed as a response to the challenge from Brexit and the need for our sector to diversify its products and seek new markets.
“As the most exposed sector in the country, it’s reckless of any organisation to obstruct a valid initiative that is designed to safeguard the livelihoods of farm families and the rural economy in the South East,” Mr Cullinane added.
