This article is from page 2 of the 2008-04-29 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 2 JPG
OPPONENTS of a planned €10 million explosives plant outside Kildysart have claimed that due to ‘a contractual nexus” between Clare County Council and the Whelan Group, the council failed to rule on the plan in an objective and impartial manner.
The council granted planning per- mission last month to the Whelan Group-owned Shannon Explosives to construct the plant at Cahercon pier, Kildysart.
It was the latest twist in the coun- ty’s longest running planning saga that started nine years ago when plans were first lodged.
Ensuring that the controversy will continue, Cairde Chill an Disirt Teo have appealed the decision to An Bord Pleanala with other appeals ex- pected to follow.
Pointing out that the council “is known to have substantial contracts with various companies associated with the Whelan Group’, Cairde Chill an Disirst Teo claimed that be- cause of this contractual nexus, there has been a failure on the part of the council to consider this application in an objective and impartial manner.
“It has not been established that there is any need for this facility in Ireland or at this location. Safety concerns have not been fully ad- dressed and it an essentially unsafe
development.
‘There is no evidence of the finan- cial capacity of Shannon Explosived Ltd to develop the site and serious questions must be raised as to its ca- pacity to proceed with the develop- ment at all.
“Both this company and its parent eroup are heavily borrowed and in the absence of up to date financial information as to its ability to pro- ceed with this development, permis- sion should be refused until further information 1s available.”
The group also claim that the devel- opment would constitute a breach of the County Development Plan.
“Ignoring the information supplied by the statutory bodies and submis-
sions made by third parties where legal issues are involved, the council has failed to act in compliance with its statutory duties and obligations.
The council gave the plan the go- ahead on the basis that it would not seriously injure the amenities of the area and properties in the vicinity, would not be prejudicial to public health and would be acceptable in terms of traffic safety.
Without a sod being turned, the Whelan Group has spent almost €7 million on the project. They claim that it will provide employment for close to 35 people and contribute €3million annually to the local econ- omy through wages and outsourcing of services.