High profile planning activist objects to $4bn Intel plan

Environmental activist Peter Sweetman has lodged an objection with Kildare County to Intel's planned new $4 billion (€3.53bn) fabrication manufacturing facility at its Leixlip plant.

Intel has sought 10-year planning permission for an extended and revised manufacturing fabrication facility. The company received permission in 2016 for the first $4 billion phase of the facility.

In a submission Mr Sweetman argues approval for the plan cannot proceed without specific details of the grid connection to serve the new facility. He cites a High Court judgment to support his argument.

Kildare County Council is due to make a decision on the Intel application before the end of this month.

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The plan is already facing opposition from local farmer Thomas Reid of Blakestown, Carton, Maynooth.

Mr Sweetman most recently objected to a new €40 million expansion at the Trump golf resort in Co Clare. Last year he challenged the resort’s planned sea defence plan before the High Court.

Also last year Mr Sweetman mounted a High Court challenge to the granting of permission for Amazon’s plan for a €100 million data centre at Cruiserath, Blanchardstown, Dublin.