Planning go-ahead for new Monaghan industrial development

A proposal for a new manufacturing and light industry development at Tullygrimes on the Clones Road outside Monaghan Town, which was stated to possess the potential to create 256 new jobs, was given planning approval at Monday’s meeting of Monaghan Co Council.

A material contravention of the Monaghan Co Development Plan had to be approved by the members to facilitate the planning application, which was submitted by TF Partnership.

As outlined in the application, the development on a 4.74-hectare site will consist of an industrial manufacturing unit and associated office space, as well as six light industrial units to be accommodated in four buildings.

Senior Executive Planner Toirleach Gourley told Monday’s meeting of the Council that a material contravention of the Development Plan was required in this instance as a stated objective of the plan was to prohibit the creation of new access points onto national routes in the general speed limit area.

It was the view of the planners that the proposals submitted in this regard would not compromise road safety or the carrying capacity of the road.  Safety audits were carried out and they were happy that there was no compromise with regard to road safety.

Mr Gourley said the applicants were of the opinion that their project would create 256 jobs, in employment and construction, when it was at full capacity.  There had been one objection to the application lodged.  This related to landscaping infringing on a private property, but this matter had now been dealt with.

David Maxwell formally proposed the approval of the material contravention, and Seamus Treanor and Sean Conlon jointly seconded.

When Colr Conlon asked where the entrance and exit of the development was going to be, Senior Planner Adrian Hughes said it would be midway along the site.

Colr Conlon also sought an assurance that sensitivity had been applied in relation to the project’s proximity to the Ulster Canal.  Mr Hughes pointed out that this matter was queried at additional information stage, and there would be a landscape buffer provided to prevent visual impact on the canal.

Full story in The Northern Standard