Laois organic farm business applies for extension

A Laois based organic farm and meat processing business has applied for planning permission for an extension. 

James Mulhall, Coolanowle Organics Limited, has lodged plans with Laois County Council to construct an extension, necessary renovations and alterations to their Farm Butchers shop and associated site works at Coolanowle, Ballickmoyler.

Drawings accompanying the application show the proposed extension will include a packing area, canteen and office space, an unloading area and goods in and out areas as well as a dispatch fridge and freezer. 

Coolanowle is a family run business operated out of Coolanowle Farm on the Laois-Carlow border. The Mulhall family have been producing beef on the farm at Coolanowle for generations. Having spotted that the organic sector offered a potential niche for farmers to add value to their produce they set about diversifying back in 2001. The farm shop opened in September 2010. 

A decision is due to be made on the proposed extension by June 21 with submissions on the proposed development being accepted by the local authority until May 31.