An Bord Pleanala rejects explosive factory plan

An Bord Pleanala has rejected a planning application for the construction of an explosives factory near the Co Clare village of Kildysart.

Shannon Explosives had submitted the application, but An Bord Pleanala ruled against the €3.5m venture, saying it was not satisfied that the surrounding environment would be protected.

The decision was welcomed by local groups, who said an explosives factory on the banks of the River Shannon would be unsafe and bad for the local tourism industry.

Shannon Explosives had maintained that there was a strong demand for its products in Ireland due to the focus on road construction in the National Development Plan.