The Supreme Court has granted An Taisce leave to appeal a High Court decision to dismiss a challenge against An Bord Pleanálá’s granting of planning permission for Glanbia Ireland’s Belview cheese plant.
On April 20th, the High Court upheld the planning An Bord Pleanála granted for the new facility.
The continental cheese production facility is a joint venture between Glanbia Ireland and the international dairy firm, Royal A-ware.
An Taisce sought leave to appeal as it believes the original judgment gives rise to “points of law of general public importance” about how planning authorities should assess the environmental impact of large projects.
In its determination made by Chief Justice, Frank Clarke and Justices O’Malley and Baker, the Supreme Court noted that “bringing further clarity as to the proper approach to evidence or argument in relation to relevant scientific matters in judicial review proceedings of this type is a matter of general public importance which arises in these proceedings”.
An Taisce, in a statement, welcomed the Supreme Court decision to accept this appeal. The body believes this will “provide clarity on important points of law”.
The matter will return to court in several weeks following the exchange of legal submissions. At this point, a hearing date will be assigned.
Glanbia ‘totally committed’ to cheese plant project
Meanwhile, Glanbia Ireland has stated that it remains “totally committed” to its project despite matters.
Glanbia Ireland chairman John Murphy said:
“We remain totally committed to this project, which was granted planning approval by Kilkenny County Council in November of 2019. This project is critical to our market diversification post-Brexit.”
He previously 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.
