LETTER: Arguments against proposed factory

SIR – I refer to an article in last week’s issue regarding the proposed application by ‘Daly Products Ltd’ t/a RTP Co, for a plastics factory on the Baltimore Road, which is currently with An Bord Pleanála due to the observations/objections submitted, and I wish to raise just a few of the concerns I have:

In the planning application it only says that 20-40 jobs might be created – not the 50 now being mentioned in the press. 

I’d also question how many of these jobs require skills not currently found locally? So how many local jobs would it actually create?

It was mentioned in the press that those employment figures would be achieved once the plant has expanded - but, if you look at the application to Irish Water, it specifically has to state if it’s part of a phased development and, if so, details of the phased expansion have to be given. However, ‘No’ has been ticked indicating no further development is planned – so which is it?

I’d also highlight that at 17m the proposed chimneys are certainly high enough to be unsightly and to detract from the area’s natural beauty, but more importantly are below the level of the new secondary school, which is in line with the prevailing wind from the factory. The planning application refers to the four chimneys being of a height to disperse emissions … but it seems that these will go directly towards the town and its schools?

Lastly, looking through old planning applications for that area, there have been multiple planning applications – both refused and granted – including a previous planning application for houses refused due to the sloping site and the area being ‘designated as Primarily Open Space,’ therefore contravening the Skibbereen Electoral Area Plan 2005.

There was another application, on the actual site, which was granted, for an ‘effluent treatment plant on that site. Was that ever built, if not why not and, if so, what would excavation of that site now emit?

Either way, why has there been no Environmental Impact Study or Assessment sought for this site?

The local paper was once famous for telling the Czar of Russia that it was keeping an eye, but what watchful eye is it keeping on developments in Skibbereen now?

Is mise le meas,

Luz Whitty,

Baltimore Road,

Skibbereen.