Factory outlet village near Dundalk gets thumbs down

A UK company has failed in its attempt to secure planning permission for a factory outlet retail village close to the border at Ballymascanlon, near Dundalk, Co Louth. An Bord Pleanala has confirmed Louth County Council's decision to refuse permission for the development, which was to have included 100 shops and three restaurants with a gross internal area of 200,000 sq ft. The scheme would have included a pedestrian square and three covered children's play areas, as well as car-parking for 1,600 cars and 30 coaches. The objectors included Drogheda Chamber of Commerce.