Planning for major development at WuXi in Dundalk appealed

The decision by Louth County Council to grant planning permission for a new Effluent Balancing and Resource Recovery Plant on a site of 7.888 hectares (19.49 acres) at the Dundalk Science and Technology Park has been appealed to An Bord Pleanála.

WuXi Biologics Ireland Limited applied to Louth County Council in April of this year, for planning permission for the construction and operation of a new Effluent Balancing and Resource Recovery Plant (EBRRP) at its plant at Dundalk Science and Technology Park, in the townland of Haynestown, Mullagharlin, Dundalk.

The planned development includes excavation of the site to facilitate the proposed development, and reuse of excavated material as a landscaped spoil heap within the site. It would see the construction of three covered structures containing 12 process tanks, located within concrete bunds with metal stairwells and platforms for access, and connected to an odour treatment facility.

It includes the installation of five covered storage tanks located within concrete bunds with metal stairwells and platforms for access, as well as the installation of a sludge dewatering facility.

The plans also provide for the construction of a single-storey administration and process building with roof-mounted solar panels and rainwater harvesting tank; and the widening of an existing access on the Mullagharlin Road and associated setback of the existing hedgerow, to facilitate a temporary construction access and a permanent operational access for small vehicles.

The planning application also provides for the construction of a fabricated metal access bridge and pipe and cable support structures to link the proposed development with the existing biopharmaceuticals plant; a temporary construction compound, to include double-stacked metal containers/cabins with access stairs, laydown areas, and 50 parking spaces; temporary internal road; and temporary internal construction haul road (including footpath); as well as all site development works, drainage, ancillary equipment, lighting, retaining walls, fencing, and landscaping works.

Louth County Council granted planning permission for the development on 25 November, subject to 15 planning conditions. A third party appeal against the decision was made on 6 December by Mr Peter Sweetman. The case is due to be decided by An Bord Pleanála by 22 April 2025.