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Glanbia plan for 42m high dryer plant gets go-ahead

Thomas Lyons


A planning application by Glanbia, Ireland for a significant extension to their Virginia facility has been approved by Cavan County Council.
The global nutrition group originally made an application to develop the Burrenrea facility in May of last year. Some neighbours of the milk processing plant lodged objections based on the scale of the development.
The approved works include a new six storey 42m high dryer plant adjoining the existing dryer facility, as well as a two storey building with changing facilities, canteen and offices.
The plans approved by the local authority also allow for the construction of a new entrance and exit to the N3 with road improvements. Those ameliorations include a new right turning junction to access the facility.
The planners considered an application on the development from Ian and Sinead McMahon. In their submission they said that development would overshadow their bungalow located directly across the road from Glanbia.
The applicant said that at 42 metre high the development “will create an overbearing and oppressive environment” and was “wholly unsuitable” for the area. They went on to say: “This monstrosity of a development is totally unsuitable to the area and is only at best suitable for a large industrial estate.”

Storage silos
Other works covered by the planning approval are the construction of a new security hut and reception, 218 new car parking spaces, a new milk intake building, alterations to the existing silo farm and construction of a single storey silo access building between silos.
Approval was also granted for the construction of four new storage silos and upgrade works on the waste water treatment plant including extension to administration building and miscellaneous site works.
The planning permission covers underground drainage, landscaping, the provision of two new weighbridges, diesel fill area, truck wash and oil-water separators, internal road works, closure of existing entrance onto and exit from the N3 and removal of existing car parking spaces.
The site operates under an EPA licence. An Environmental Impact Assessment Report and a Natura Impact Statement were part of the submission.
The planners approved the build subject to 10 conditions. They include that the development is carried out in accordance with the submitted plans and the payment of €199,280 to the Planning Authority toward public infrastructure costs, an archaeological assessment, maintenance of the road during construction, noise considerations, the landscaping and a construction waste management plan.