Appeals lodged against Shannon explosives factory

Several organisations have appealed to An Bord Pleanala against approval for a £5 million explosives factory on the shore of the Shannon estuary.

Last month Clare County Council, despite strong local opposition, granted planning permission to Shannon Explosives Ltd to construct facilities for the importation, manufacturing, storage, distribution and export of explosive materials at Cahercon, Kildysart.

The only other explosives plant in the State is at Enfield, Co Meath. In making its decision the council recognised the need for the proposed facility, stating that it "will go a considerable way along the road to the country being self-sufficient in explosives and thus greatly reduce the reliance on the imported product."

However, the decision has been appealed by the environmental network, Friends of the Irish Environment (FIE), the Irish Air Line Pilots' Association, the Kildysart Explosives Factory Opposition Group and a local community-based company, Cairde Chill an Disirt Teoranta.

The FIE states that under the 1875 Explosives Act the council is required to hold a public hearing before giving assent to the proposal. It states: "Surely this is an unusual case with the potential for catastrophic consequences for the local community if not properly located, constructed and regulated."

It adds: "The enlightened requirement of the 1875 Act is based on a recognition of this danger and of the ordinary public's right to be heard before consent is given."

Mr Ray Whalley, on behalf of IALPA, states that "the proposal for such a facility in such close proximity to the airport of Shannon constitutes an unacceptable level of risk to air traffic and air navigation in general and to the airport complex itself."

Mr Whalley has also requested an oral hearing on the proposal.

In its appeal, KEFOG argues that the proposal conflicts with the proper planning and development of the area and is contrary to the County Clare Development Plan.

It also expresses concerns over the imposition of a buffer zone of 670 metres around the site. The owner of the only dwelling in the zone has already agreed to sell her property to allow the development to proceed.

KEFOG states that due to the establishment of the zone, use of Cahercon pier and all areas within the surrounding security zone would be impossible. No decision is expected until May.