An Taisce's application for a judicial review of planning permission for a €140 million cheese factory on the Kilkenny/Waterford border has been dismissed.
Glanbia received the go-ahead to build the factory at Belview Technology Park in June 2020, but the process has been delayed by objections.
The continental cheese production facility planned for Belview is a joint venture between Glanbia Ireland and international dairy firm, Royal A-ware.
In November 2020, An Taisce was granted leave by the High Court to seek a judicial review of the planning process.
The High Court dismissed that appeal in April, however, An Taisce sought leave to appeal the High Court judgment raising the ire of a number of government TDs, and farming groups at the time.
Today the application to bring the case to the Court of Appeal was rejected.
IFA President Tim Cullinan welcomed the decision and said the plant should proceed without delay:
“The decision not to allow a further hearing of An Taisce’s objection to the Glanbia cheese plant is the fourth time the project has been upheld,” he said.
“An Taisce has a prescribed role in the planning system, but they also have a duty to act responsibly. On each occasion, the process has found everything is in order.
"The Glanbia project was designed as a response to the challenge from Brexit and the need for our sector to diversify its products and seek new markets.
“As the most exposed sector in the country, it’s reckless of any organisation to obstruct a valid initiative that is designed to safeguard the livelihoods of farm families and the rural economy in the south east,” he said.
Glanbia Ireland has also welcomed the decision, its Chief Executive Jim Bergin said:
“We are committed to bringing this project to fruition with our partners, Royal A-ware. This project, which is line with Government policy, is critical to our market diversification post Brexit, will support rural Ireland’s post-Covid recovery and is of huge importance to the 4,500 farm families supplying milk to Glanbia Ireland.”
Jim Bergin highlighted that the new plant will create a new product for new markets, reducing Ireland’s current dependence on the UK cheddar cheese market.
“Glanbia Ireland is fully committed to sustainability best practice and is working with Government to secure a sustainable future for the agricultural sector, through AgClimatise and the Agri-Food Strategy 2030 process.”
