A High Court judge has refused to grant An Taisce leave to appeal the earlier granting of planning permission for Glanbia’s Belview cheese plant.
On April 20th, the High Court upheld the planning approval granted by An Bord Pleanála for a new cheese facility at Belview in Kilkenny.
The continental cheese production facility is a joint venture between Glanbia Ireland and the international dairy firm, Royal A-ware.
Glanbia’s Belview cheese plant
Glanbia Ireland, chief executive, Jim Bergin, said:
“We are committed to bringing this project to fruition in conjunction with our partners, Royal A-ware.”
“This project, which is in line with Government policy, is critical to our market diversification post-Brexit.”
He stated that the project will:
- Support rural Ireland’s post-Covid recovery;
- Is of “huge” importance to 4,500 Glanbia farmer suppliers;
- Create a new product for new markets, reducing Ireland’s current dependence on the UK cheddar cheese market.
“Glanbia Ireland is fully committed to sustainability best practice and is working with the government to secure a sustainable future for the agricultural sector, through AgClimatise and the Agri-Food Strategy 2030 process.”
Glanbia Ireland chairman, John Murphy, said this decision is good for farmers, jobs and the south-east region.
He outlined that there is now “a moment of opportunity” for considered engagement between all parties.
An Taisce to ‘assess its options’
In a statement, a spokesperson for An Taisce, said:
“We are disappointed at today’s decision.”
“The application to appeal was based on the firm conviction, supported by advice, legal and scientific, that the High Court judgement rejecting the judicial review of the An Bord Pleanála decision on the Belview cheese plant raised points of law that are of exceptional public importance, and which are, therefore, essential to appeal in the public interest.”
“Our view on the basis of the application has not changed. But, the Board of An Taisce will review the judgment and assess its options before making any further comment.”
