Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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63. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are plans by his Department to bring a company (details supplied) and An Taisce together to identify issues of concern and deliver an outcome to progress this project without any further delay given the importance to the local economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26707/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I am familiar with the situation referred to by the Deputy. I acknowledge that the company sees this investment as an important part of their response to Brexit, by diversifying production in order to reduce dependence on the UK market.

An Taisce, as is its right, sought and was granted leave, for a Judicial Review into the decision of the relevant local authority to grant planning permission for this development, a decision which had already been upheld by An Bord Pleanala.

The matter was heard in the Commercial Court and judgement was given on 20^thApril rejecting An Taisce’s arguments.

An Taisce has, in recent days, advised that it will appeal the decision of the High Court. An Taisce must, in the first instance, obtain the leave of the High Court before submitting a further appeal. Until this appeal, if leave is granted, is fully heard, the matter is still the subject of judicial proceedings.

This precludes me for discussing the case in more detail. If An Taisce and the company concerned do wish to discuss this proposed development together, that it is a matter for both parties.