Decision 'soon" on Nobber incinerator costs issue

An Bord Pleanala has been urged to pay out costs to Nobber residents which they incurred in fighting the recent planning application by College Proteins for an incinerator. Residents believe that a further planning battle may be imminent as the company is expected to lodge a new planning application for the incinerator in the near future. When the oral hearing into the project was adjourned last year, Bord Pleanala had sought information on the objectors" costs and this week said it was still considering the issue. John Keogan of the North-East Against Incineration Group said the fact that the issue of costs was still on the table with Bord Pleanala showed how seriously their claims were being taken. 'We have fought a long, hard fight so far, and it was a battle we didn"t ask for,' he said. He said mistakes had been made in the planning application, but it hadn"t been the fault of the objectors. He said it was important local residents were reimbursed as they were now working on their next strategy. 'Our group has got bigger and there are lots more people getting involved. Over 100 people from the Nobber, Castletown, Meath Hill, Drumconrath, Kilmainhamwood and Kingscourt areas worked at the oral hearing because this affects us all,' said Mr Keogan. He said they had battled for the health of all the families and the children of the region, none of whom wanted another incinerator in the area. Mr Keogan said councillors in Meath had worked hard for them in the past and they hoped that they would help in the future, but it was now time for their neighbours in Louth, Monaghan and Cavan to speak to their councillors and make them aware of the situation. Deputy Shane McEntee insisted that all outstanding monies owed to the people of Nobber be paid out. 'Substantial costs were incurred by many residents of the village while undertaking the objection to the proposed College Proteins incinerator. This proposal was eventually dismissed by Bord Pleanala due to the fact that the original application by College Proteins was incorrect. 'My office has been in touch with Bord Pleanala in relation to these costs and was informed that there is no statutory timeframe for matters regarding costs set out. It is, therefore, at the discretion of the board when these funds will be reimbursed.' He added that these costs were incurred by the people of Nobber through no fault of their own and they should not be left out of pocket because of it. 'It is despicable that people who objected to the application, which was invalid all along, are now facing unnecessary debts,' he said. A spokesperson for Bord Pleanala said that the strategic infrastructure system under which the planning application was made was very new and the particular situation regarding the Nobber incinerator was unique in that it was the first to be withdrawn. The spokesperson explained that it was currently looking at the Nobber situation with a view to making a decision very soon.