A decision is expected no later than September 7th on an appeal to An Bord Pleanala against the granting of planning permission by Mayo Co Council for the development of a £30 million cement factory in the county.
The appeal hearing in Castlebar almost collapsed on its second day yesterday after Mr Karl Kent, for the planning authority, suggested the matter be deferred for a fortnight. Mr Kent was responding to arguments by Mr Michael O'Donnell, counsel for developer Frank Harrington Ltd, who objected to submissions against the development made by the Tooreen Action Group and individual objectors yesterday.
Mr O'Donnell said their objections had to do with environmental issues. He contended the nature of the objections extended far beyond the remit of An Bord Pleanala, the duty of which was to consider matters relating to the cement plant up to its construction stage. He recommended Mr Kent consult his board to take directions as to how to proceed and confirmed he would not be addressing any of the environmental issues.
Agreeing to present his case in relation to the construction of the plant only, Mr O'Donnell said the application related to the construction of a cement plant on a 130-acre site, all of which belonged to the developer and his companies and on which a cement plant was already in operation.
"The source of raw material for the plant is a limestone quarry on the site which means that operations are contiguous and transport is minimised."
Dr Brian Meehan, a planning consultant, said the cement plant application constituted an integrated development between manufacturing and the use of a natural resource and described it as having national significance and major significance to the west of Ireland.
"I submit that this unique site is perhaps the only site in Connacht suitable for a cement plant and if planning permission is not granted, this may be the end of any possibility for a cement plant in the West.
Mr Sean Dunleavy, senior executive planner with Mayo County Council, said planning permission for the development had been granted after serious consideration and after a delegation of council executives had visited a similar plant in south west Germany.