Warning letter issued over Laois car wash after residents’ complaints

Laois County Council has issued a warning letter over the possible unauthorised development of a car wash in Portlaoise following complaints from residents that it represents a “severe noise nuisance and serious ecological risks”.

In a letter to Paul Dunne, Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise, the Council’s Planning Enforcement Section says it has come to the attention of the Planning Authority that an “unauthorised development” works consisting of an automatic car wash system, “may have been, is being, or may be carried out” at Dunnes Petrol Station on the Abbeyleix Road.

However, when contacted in relation to the matter by the Leinster Express, Paul Dunne said: “Dunne's no longer operate this service station and have not for some time now. We have no interest in respect of that structure or the land on the site.”

The Council letter states that the development on the road, which is also the route of the N77 may have been advanced “without the requisite planning permission or not in accordance with conditions of a permission”.

The Council warns that to undertake unauthorised development is an offence under Section 151 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. It warns that the law provides for substantial fines and possible imprisonment on conviction for an unauthorised development.

The letter sent at the end of July followed an earlier formal planning enforcement complaint lodged with County Hall by residents who called on the Planning Enforcement Section to issue an immediate Enforcement Notice before the machinery is powered on or commercially tested.

A statement from the Abbeyleix Road Residents Action Group to the Leinster Express said some of the residents along the Abbeyleix Road said they oppose what they described as “the installation of a massive, automated car wash system” at a local petrol station, claiming it could cause a “severe noise nuisance and serious ecological risks” to the River Triogue.

The community action group claims the site operator is currently completing the installation of a high-powered "Moon Beam" brushless drive-through car wash unit equipped with un-enclosed industrial drying blowers without the required planning permission. While the service station previously held permission for manual hand-held jet washing, the residents point out that erecting an automated mechanical gantry system constitutes a “major physical development” and a material change of use under Section 3 of the Planning and Development Act 2000.

The statement from the residents said they were “particularly alarmed” by the outdoor, un-enclosed nature of the machinery. They claimed it is designed with industrial-grade high-velocity air dryers and high-pressure hydraulic jets. They alleged such systems are typically housed inside purpose-built, soundproofed buildings. Residents said they fear continuous, high-decibel blasts will shatter the peace of nearby homes throughout the operating day.

They said brushless automated car washes also rely on concentrated chemical detergents to clean. Residents said they were “deeply concerned” about chemical mist and wastewater escaping into the adjacent watercourse-a direct tributary of the “environmentally sensitive” River Triogue.

"We are not against local businesses thriving, but there must be strict adherence to planning laws and basic respect for the surrounding community. Replacing a simple hand-held hose with a massive, industrial, automated wash unit right beside our homes without going through the public planning process is completely unacceptable.

“These industrial dryers are meant to be enclosed inside a building for a reason; the noise outdoors will be unbearable for families living nearby. On top of that, we are deeply worried about chemical runoff into the local watercourse that feeds into the River Triogue. We are asking Laois County Council to step in immediately, inspect the site, and stop this unit from operating before permanent damage is done to our neighbourhood's health and environment,” said the statement.

The Local Authority said anyone served with a Warning Letter may make submissions or observations in writing to the Planning Authority regarding the purported offence not later than four weeks from the date of service of the letter.

The warning letter also outlined that any costs reasonably incurred by the Planning Authority in relation to enforcement proceedings may be recovered from a person on whom an enforcement notice is served or where court action is taken.

However, the Leinster Express understands the car wash is being operated by a different company who may only recently have become aware of the issues raised.