Extension to Kilnaleck factory planned

Kilnaleck’s Airpacks Ltd has been given planning approval to construct a 1520 sq m extension to its existing factory.

The company has also been given the green light to retain a separate 410 sq m extension to an existing storage unit previously granted in 2011 to the rear of existing factory.

Airpacks is one of Ireland’s leading manufacturer of high-quality expanded polystyrene products.

The new proposed eight metre high ‘A’ pitched storage unit will measure 51 metres in length and 30 metres wide.

A submission on the planning file by a neighbour, Paddy Finlay of The Green, Kilnaleck, highlighted concerns around potential noise pollution and alleged ‘toxic odours’ expelled from the factory during the manufacturing process.

A noise/air complaint was lodged with the authority’s Environmental Section, it was noted in the final planner’s report. Mr Finlay also highlighted the level of traffic passing his home. He asked that, should planning be granted, these issues be addressed prior to construction.

In response, Airpacks Ltd commissioned a study, which resulted in a recommendation that the existing ventilation stacks be altered and extended to 11 metres and 15 metres above ground level.

A proposal to eliminate and reduce noise was meanwhile drawn up by Traynor Environmental Ltd.

Significant further information and revised plans were submitted as part of the application process, before planning was granted by the council with 11 conditions attached.

A decision had been due in early January but was delivered prior to Christmas.

The conditions include that Airpacks Ltd pay contribution fees of €70,080 to the council, and ‘shall implement all recommendations and mitigation measures of the noise and odour impacts assessments submitted’.

Furthermore, odour monitoring must be carried out for 12 months post-development, and the movement of Heavy Goods Vehicles, HGV loading and the use of forklifts will be limited to the hours of 7am-9pm, Monday to Friday.

Waste disposal receipts will also be obtained for ‘all wastes removed’ from development works for a period of two years after the development is complete.

Gem Plastics

Elsewhere, GEM Plastics Limited received permission to go ahead with plans to partially increase the roof height of an existing manufacturing unit, and all ancillary works, at Regaskin, on the outskirts of Cavan Town.

Permission was granted to GEM, which produces plastic containers for core chemical and lubricant sectors, with a total of five conditions attached.

The proposed roof increase will be 5.33 metres above the existing height of 8.83 metres over a corner portion (131.5sqm) of the shed only.

Kiernan’s shop

Finally, retention permission was granted to Philip Kiernan for an extended storage area built to the rear of the existing shop at Moynehall, Ballinagh Road, Cavan Town, as well as the dining area to front of shop, and alterations to the elevations together with all associated ancillary site works.

The extension to the retail unit on the front elevation provides a seating area for customers, and to the rear houses a fridge/freezer storage area.

‘The existing extension to the retail unit is considered acceptable in principle,’ noted the planner’s report.

Permission was granted with three conditions attached, including that the developer pays the council €1,770 in development fees.