Long-running planning saga of propsed abattoir in Offaly is reactivated

A LONG-RUNNING Banagher abattoir planning saga has been reactivated by the State's Planning Board, bringing another twist in the six year old planning issue.

Banagher Chilling Limited is a Chinese backed meat plant proposal and in July 2019 plans were first lodged by Banagher Chilling Limited for a single story extension to the existing abattoir of the site near Banagher.

Offaly County Council granted planning permission a year later, with An Bord Pleanála giving it the go-ahead in June 2022.

The decision was overturned by the High Court in February, following a challenge on environmental grounds by co-appellants and local residents Desmond Kampff and Gwen Wordingham.

However, since then An Bord Pleanála decided to revisit and re-open the matter and lodged a planning appeal. A fresh decision on the re-opened appeal is due on August 19.

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Midlands North West MEP Barry Cowen told local media that he backs An Bord Pleanála's decision and he backs the creation of the meat plant. He pointed out that the value of the investment to the region must be considered. He said he strongly hopes that the right decision is taken and that planning permission is granted.

If granted permission the €40 million plant would be located in Boheradurrow/Meenwaun, which is near Taylor's Cross on the Birr/Banagher road.

Part of the extension would be 1,061 square metres and would include processing rooms, staff changing rooms, and offices. Banagher Chilling also wants to develop a food processing factory of 4,925 square metres which would include processing rooms, a cold store, loading bay, chill rooms, plant rooms, staff changing rooms, staff canteen and administration offices.

There would be a water treatment building of 72 square metres and an effluent treatment control house of 30 square metres. The Chinese led consortium has expressed a desire to remain anonymous throughout the whole planning process.