Cahill joins criticism of An Taisce stance on Glanbia plant

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A Tipperary Government TD has hit out at An Taisce for its attempts to block the development of Glanbia’s new cheese plant in south Kilkenny.

Chair of the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee, Jackie Cahill, has joined multiple other TDs in criticising An Taisce for seeking a Judicial Review to prevent the plant from going ahead on environmental grounds.

The joint venture between Glanbia and Dutch company ‘Royal A-ware’ at Belview is seen as crucial in supporting the dairy sector in the south east.

Deputy Cahill says the delays increase the possibility of the development moving to a different country.

“Here we have a state sponsored body not accepting the decision of An Bord Pleanala and taking a Judicial Review.”

“I fully accept the right of someone to object – or any organisation to object – but I think when the An Bord Pleanala decision was taken that should have been the end of the matter.”

“This plant is to produce 50,000 tonnes of Gouda cheese which would be destined for the European market which would greatly reduce our dependence on the British cheddar cheese market.”