Leonard dismayed at An Bord Pleanala decision on Jobs
Dunboyne Cllr Noel Leonard today expressed his disappointment and annoyance at An Bord Pleanala’s decision to overturn the planning permission granted by Meath County Council for an industrial estate at Piercetown, Dunboyne Co Meath.
The site at Piercetown, which has a stated area of 17.10 hectares (42,24 acres), is on the eastern side of the N3 to the south of its junction with the Fairyhouse/Ratoath Road and c2.5Km to the north-west of Dunboyne.
The proposed development comprised of 32 business units comprising office, light industrial, warehouse, retail services and childcare facility in 8 buildings and ancillary works.
This development would result in 1000/1200 jobs.
Cllr Leonard stated “This decision has a huge impact on the local area. This facility would provide employment opportunities close to housing area’s in Dunboyne. Many people commute each day for hours on end to get to and from work. This would have been a very welcome facility for at least 1000 people”
Cllr Leonard rejects An Bord Pleanala reasons for refusal, one of which is that the facility would be principally dependent on private car and that this is contrary to local policy advocating public transport.
Cllr Leonard said “This is ridiculous, does this mean that every commercial development in Meath has to be serviced by public transport?”
He concluded “myself and other local councillors are actively encouraging investors to come into an area with very little industrial development. Meath has a very low rate base and it is our job to try to increase this. Now that this proposal is on hold it will discourage investors seeking planning permission”
The application was originally lodged with the planning authority in October 06 accompanied with an Environmental Impact Statement and also with a letter of consent from Meath County Council and the NRA stating that it has no objection to the submission of the planning application.
The Environmental Impact Statement considered the site to be the most suitable location for a high profile business park within County Meath. The site is in close proximity to the proposed Dunboyne/Pace Interchange (including park and ride facility) located at the end of the Clonsilla/Pace railway line.
Meath East TD Mary Wallace also expressed her grave concern at this decision due to the fact that it would have provided many jobs for the area. And would also have provided local jobs for people who currently commute and provide much needed revenue to MCC in rates.
Mary Wallace hopes that the applicant will reapply for planning permission and that he endeavours to overcome the concerns of An Board Pleanala.
She added “This facility should be and is very good news for the area. I hope that this setback will be temporary and that the difficulties can be overcome. This facility would be most welcome”
Minister Wallace and Cllr Leonard are actively reviewing this decision by An Bord Pleanala and its implications for future developments.