This article is from page 4 of the 2006-11-21 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 4 JPG
A NUMBER of objections have been lodged against plans to establish a €10 million explosives factory on the shores of the Shannon estuary by Whelan Group subsidiary, Shannon Explosives Ltd.
The main players involved in the seven-year planning battle, the Kildysart Explosives Factory Opposition Group (KEFOG), Cairde Chill and Disirt Teo and Friends of the Irish Environment (FIE), have once more voiced their opposition against the plan.
A previous plan by Shannon Explosives was refused planning permission by An Bord Pleanála in February 2003 and to date, the Whelan Group has spent almost €7 million on the scheme without a sod being turned.
The closing date for objections was last Thursday. Clare County Council confirmed that it had received 10 submissions, although there is overlap as two of the individuals, Pat Casey and Terrence Corry, are leading the KEFOG opposition to the plan.
In its objection, KEFOG state, “There is no evidence that there is a capacity problem in the domestic explosives market . . . Cahercon Pier is public property.
“The public have access to the pier at all times. The public cannot be denied access to the pier at any time.
In its submission, Cairde Chill an Disirt Teo state, “It goes without saying that any possible risk to health and safety must be avoided and it is a notorious fact that blasts at explosives plants and factories tend to kill large numbers of people.”
Tony Lowes of the Friends of the Irish Environment (FIE) states, “It is inevitable that the development will deprive landowners in the area – to a measurable degree – of both their rights and – because of public perceptions – seriously depreciate the value of their properties.”
Local doctor, Dr Eamon Ralph, said: “As the nearest medical doctor to the proposed Shannon Explosives facility, I wish to express my concern that I have not been consulted in relation to any possible accident and emergency plan to be put in place.”
A decision on the application by the council is not expected until sometime next year. An appeal will be lodged to An Bord Pleanála, whenever that decision emerges.