Planning green light paves way for creation of up to 200 new jobs in Longford

Longford County Council has granted planning permission to Technimark Ireland Holdings Limited for the demolition of the former EIR depot - specifically 1,755sqm of existing buildings and sheds - in the Templemichael Business Park on the Ballinalee Road, and for the construction of a new 3 storey manufacturing facility and warehouse in its place, thereby paving the way for the   creation of up to 200 new jobs.  

Mr Niall Morrissey of Eden House, Ballinalee Road, made a submission in which he cited his objection to “certain aspects” of the planning application. 

He said the proposed development “by reason of its scale and proximity to established residential properties, would represent an inappropriate form of development” and would “materially disregard many principles of proper planning.” 

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Mr Morrissey also included a petition from local residents.  Highlighting concerns regarding traffic, he wrote, “The traffic assessments completed are inadequate and do not come close to accurately representing the level and build-up of traffic in the area, particularly at peak times. 

There is no meaningful assessment of the cumulative impact on the surrounding road network, no consideration has been given to the traffic congestion issues experienced at the nearby St Emer's primary school, the ambulance access requirements of the Laurel Lodge Nursing Home or indeed the traffic congestion during removals being held there.” 

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He added that the application also failed to recognise the increase in traffic flow resulting from the 93 dwellings being built nearby. 

A second submission, lodged by David Mooney, senior planning consultant, on behalf of Laurel Lodge Nursing Home in Templemichael Glebe, represented by Mr Alan Hynes, wrote that his client wished to state that he had “no objection in principle to the proposed use” and that his main concern was with regard to the potential for traffic congestion on Laurels Road. 

Highlighting the proposed entrance as the potential issue, Mr Mooney’s submission raised concerns that the traffic impact had “not been fully assessed”, adding that a more acceptable solution “could be achieved by relocating the proposed northern entrance.”

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He went on to explain that the Laurel Lodge Nursing Home which is “in proximity to the subject site”, has a capacity of 114 residents, 77 parking spaces, employs 155 staff, and, in addition to senior care facilities, “it also accommodates an oratory which is used on occasion for funeral events.” 

He said these events generate “a significant level of traffic in the area and associated pressure for car parking.”

In granting permission, Longford County Council attached 16 conditions, one of which stipulated the proposed entrance off Laurel Road “shall be omitted” in the interests of residential amenity and traffic safety. 

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Also among the road related conditions was the provision of a new 3m footpath, “indicating that the existing roadside boundaries are being removed and new boundaries to be established.”

Addressing Mr Morrissey’s concern regarding elevated noise levels, arising from machinery, mechanical plant, loading/unloading activities and the proposed 24/7 operating hours, the council included a limit past which the noise was not permitted to exceed during the construction hours of 8am until 10pm from Monday to Saturday inclusive. 

This, they said, was to reduce or prevent the intrusion of noise, in the interest of residential amenity.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme