Plans by Glanbia for a €140 million cheese manufacturing facility in Belview have been put on hold following objections by two leading environmental groups.
An Taisce and Friends of the Irish Environment have both lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanála against the decision of Kilkenny County Council to grant permission for a continental cheese manufacturing plant in the IDA's Belview Science and Technology Park near the port of Waterford.
The Irish Times reports that the company plans to develop a Dutch-style cheese production facility, employing around 80 people.
In its appeal, the Friends of the Irish Environment claimed an environmental impact assessment submitted did not contain sufficient information about the impact of the increase in milk production required for the plant.
An Taisce claimed the application was premature ahead of the details of CAP reform due to be published in 2020.
An Bord Pleanála is expected to issue a ruling in the case next April.
