‘We’re talking about a €1bn investment’ – Call for An Taisce to withdraw Premier Periclase objection

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

A Louth councillor confirmed he will be tabling a motion at the November meeting of Louth County Council, seeking support from members to request An Taisce to withdraw their planning objection to the Premier Periclase site redevelopment in Drogheda.

Cllr Pio Smith told the Drogheda Independent that the proposed redevelopment of the site on the Boyne Road “has the potential to have a significant and positive impact on the development of Drogheda.”

According to Cllr Smith: “An Taisce has lodged an objection to the proposed redevelopment of Premier Periclase and I believe that they should withdraw that objection as it will unduly delay vital infrastructural change in Drogheda if they refuse to do so.”

He added: “It is quite possible that the project will be held up at the planning stage for another two years, which I believe is unacceptable. The impact of this delay will mean that the people of Drogheda will have to put up with a stop to the final phase of the Port Access Northern Cross Route, increased traffic congestion and delays in the town quays re development.”

Cllr. Smith said: “The appeal submitted by An Taisce presents higher level arguments primarily relating to Government policy on energy and data centres, and the method of mitigating emissions using corporate power purchase agreements, which are governed by policy.

The Premier Periclase redevelopment makes a significant effort to mitigate climate impact, and shouldn’t be the target for An Taisce’s campaign against these policies."

He added: “Unlike more conventional data centre proposals, this scheme includes a significant planning gain. The development will significantly improve the local visual environment removing an unsightly industrial facility which negatively impacts on the amenity of the area and the natural environment. It has the potential to be the catalyst for the redevelopment of a major underutilised industrial landbank, delivering significant local employment.

These are matters which An Taisce, as the national trust with a focus on the natural and built heritage of the state should have regard to. We are talking about a one billion euro investment in Drogheda being held up for years by an objection that will in my opinion be turned down by An Bord Pleanala."

He argued that the redevelopment of the Premier Periclase site, if permitted, further strengthens the case for delivery of the final phases of the PANCR.

“On balance, the development is a very positive one for the town of Drogheda and its hinterland and environment and should not be a victim of a campaign relating to broader policy arguments. These arguments are being put forward by An Taisce and others in appeals elsewhere in any event. As such, withdrawal of the appeal in this instance will not preclude the appellant from bringing the matters raised to a conclusion in respect of other cases where the planning gains to the local area and people living there aren’t so transformative,” said Cllr. Smith.

“I will be tabling a motion at the Louth County Council November meeting seeking support from the members to request An Taisce to withdraw their planning objection.”