Residents accuse waste developers of holding back information
AES Ltd of Kildare have been asked twice by the local authority to provide additional information concerning different aspects of their proposal to develop on the site of a former tannery.
Now it is being asked to be more specific in relation to the noise and traffic impact, and a decision on the planning application is being put on hold until the company complies.
AES has been directed to carry out a detailed traffic flow analysis at the entrance to the site twice daily and to furnish the council with information on noise and vibration levels.
A council spokesman said: “There is no question of a final decision being made on the planning application until we are in receipt of every shred of information relevant to it.”
Residents believe AES is doing everything it can to keep as much information away from the council as possible.
A spokesman for the local objectors said: “Clearly the company is stalling and is doing everything it can not to supply all of the information the local authority is entitled to have in advance of deciding on the planning application.”
A majority of residents in the town of Portlaw and the neighbouring south Kilkenny villages of Fiddown and Piltown are opposed to the proposed waste treatment plant which would be located on the site of the former tannery operated by an Australian-owned company, Michelle Ireland Ltd.
They are concerned about smells emanating from the plant, noise levels, pollution threats, and an increase in traffic.
The spokesman said: “We haven’t received the kind of assurances we are entitled to on any of these matters.”
AES Ltd yesterday insisted their operation would be run efficiently, adding that odours would not be noticed by the residents.
The company has also indicated its willingness to meet with the residents and engage in “full and frank” discussion with them regarding their concerns.
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