An Bord Pleanála has refused planning permission for the construction of an asphalt plant in Burnfoot.
The proposed development by Moyle Plant Limited has been the subject of a campaign led by some local residents who feared the health and safety impacts of works at Gortnaskea near Scalp Mountain.
There was huge local opposition to the development, including a petition and the setting up of a protest group – South Inishowen Against Asphalt Plant. More than 120 objections were lodged against the original application to Donegal County Council.
Donegal County Council granted permission for the development to Moyle Plant Ltd. in May 2021. An appeal against the decision was lodged to An Bord Pleanála shortly afterwards.
Appellants today received a letter confirming An Bord Pleanála’s decision to refuse permission for the development.
An Bord Pleanála’s reasons included:
- Insufficient information provided in relation to dumped material during the site clearance/construction phase and emissions to air during the site operational phase.
- The Board was not satisfied that the development would not contribute to excessive noise in the area.
- The proposed development would be contrary to proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
When the application was first made, developers said that all modern Asphalt plants (such as the plant proposed for this site) are designed to comply with Local/ National and European standards as set out and are operated to best practice standards. The process does not seek to extract any material (Quarry) from the site, they said. They also stated that there are currently no asphalt plants located in Inishowen, thus increasing the carbon footprint in transporting tar or asphalt which is laid in Inishowen.
Fearghal O’Boyle, one of the ‘South Inishowen Against Asphalt Plant’ campaigners, told Donegal Daily that An Bord Pleanala’s decision was “the best Christmas present” that they could ask for.
“Needless to say we are delighted. It’s a victory for the community over a big business, which happens very rarely. We’re delighted we won’t have the smell of asphalt all over the place. The number of lorries it was going to bring in was going to ruin the quality of life here.”
An Bord Pleanála’s decision is the final planning decision. However, it can be overturned or reconsidered as a result of a judicial review.
