Decision on Skibbereen plastics factory is deferred

AN Bord Pleanala has deferred its decision on the proposed plastics factory for Skibbereen.

A decision was due today (Thursday) on an appeal which was lodged against Cork County Council’s decision to grant permission to the plant at Poundlick in the town.

Local action group Save our Skibbereen posted a message on its Facebook page earlier this week, saying: ‘The An Bord Pleanála decision is due this week.  If they rule against the factory – RTP Company can ask for a Judicial Review or restart the application from scratch. If they rule for the factory - SOS will be taking legal advice on the best way to challenge and overturn this decision.’

A spokesperson for An Bord Pleanala confirmed to The Southern Star today that no decision had yet been made, but one should be forthcoming by the end of September.

Speaking at a public meeting held in Skibbereen in January, Poundlick resident Brendan McCarthy, said: ‘Most people in the town are not aware that the new 4,800sqm proposed plant – Daly Products Ltd – will have two 13m-high production units with 4m chimneys, divided by a two-storey laboratory and office block, on the site at Poundlick on the Baltimore Road.’

He added: ‘Our appeal to An Bord Pleanála would challenge the fact that the planning authority didn’t take into consideration many of the points made in the 39 planning submissions, most of which expressed concerns about emissions and the disposal of water from the factory into the town’s wastewater treatment system.’

Speaking to The Southern Star the previous July, Danny Miles, vice-president and managing director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, of the RTP Company, the parent company of Daly Products Ltd, said the company was eager to become part of the community and deliver jobs.

‘Daly Products Ltd is eager to work with and become part of the local community just as we have done in our 18 manufacturing sites around the world, providing enhanced services to our customers in Ireland and greater Europe, and bringing jobs and opportunity to your neighbourhood,’ he said.

A number of high profile people are supporting the Save Our Skibbereen campaign, including film producer David Puttnam.