Longford pet food giant in major extension plan

The pet food manufacturer seeks the demolition of the existing softcan building, consisting of a single storey pitched roof production facility. The proposed demolition includes an existing stand-alone toilet block pitched roof building.

Upon completion the company wishes to construct a new pouch plant extension consisting of new ground floor production facilities connected to an existing production floor area and new first floor extension.

Other works include an electrical switch-room building, realignment of access road, construction of new parking areas including provision of car parking bays, electrical vehicle charging facilities and designated accessible parking bays together with a new bicycle storage facility.

A new boundary fence, gates and yard area are also included.

Considerations for underground and overground services together with all associated site works are all part of the approach to the council planners.

C&D Foods Group was formerly owned by Albert Reynolds. In December 1992 there was controversy surrounding the business as it received a £1m loan from a wealthy Arab investor in exchange for citizenship.

As a minister Reynolds was responsible for providing export credit insurance to Larry Goodman to sell beef into Iraq, which left a massive liability following the first Gulf War. In 2019 the remaining Reynolds stake of 15pc was sold on to Larry Goodman.

The pre-validation application was received on March 15 last. Though only a pre-validation application, the planning office has indicated that a decision is likely by May 09, 2023.