2261004
to construct a Warehouse for the maturation of Whiskey, adjacent to the existing Easyfix rural enterprise development. The development will consist of the construction of (1) a single storey warehouse building (c. 2,082sqm), (2) an access road to connect to the existing Easyfix roadway off the R348, (3) installation of a new proprietary treatment system, together with parking, landscaping and all associated site works and services. The proposed development will be associated with the Distillery permitted under Pl. Ref No. 20/1652 at Ahascragh. A Natura Impact Statement will be submitted to the planning authority with the application.
Core Refusal Reason
The Inspector recommends granting permission, concluding that the whiskey maturation facility is an appropriate 'agri-food' rural enterprise that justifies a non-urban location due to its low-intensity nature, and that ecological impacts on protected species and the adjacent pNHA have been satisfactorily mitigated.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed whiskey maturation and bottling facility is categorized as food production, making it a suitable rural enterprise that does not require location on high-value serviced industrial land.
- Supplementary ecological reports and the proposed Construction Environment Management Plan (CEMP) sufficiently address concerns regarding protected mammals and the nearby Ballinasloe Esker pNHA.
- The development integrates well with the existing industrial cluster and will not negatively impact the visual character of the area or create traffic safety hazards.