€13m development planned for Kildare factory

A €13m development is planned for the American Fruits & Flavors facility in Athy. 

The proposed development comprises of:

- the demolition of an existing 9m high warehouse (1,770 sqm) and existing ancillary buildings (692 sqm) and infrastructure;

- the construction of new two storey 14m high production building incorporating warehouse space, food process areas, loading and unloading facilities, staff offices and toilets, plant rooms, roof mounted solar panels. The building has a gross floor area of 7,495 sqm over two floors (ground floor 5,657 sqm and first floor area 1,838 sqm);

- The demolition of an existing effluent treatment plant (144 sqm compound) and reconstruction of new treatment plant (952 sqm compound);

- The installation of a sprinkler storage tank (113 sqm), a glycol tank (23 sqm) and construction of an associated pump house (41 sqm).

Also planned is the installation of food and ethanol silos and a new gated exit and security hut.

The documents also provide for the construction of a new electricity substation.

Current operational hours of the entire facility are 7 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. It is proposed that the hours of operation would increase to 24 hours with the use of shifts. The facility will not be operational on Sundays or Bank holidays. 

The planning application is accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment Report and a Natura Impact Assessment. Development