Bord Pleanala approves Kells Backlands project

The €125 million Kells Backlands Project, which would create an entire new retail centre in the north Meath town, has been given the green light by An Bord Pleanala. The go-ahead for the massive plan to develop a new town square, major shopping centre, housing, creche and library in the centre of Kells was granted subject to 32 conditions. The news has been warmly welcomed in Kells although there are concerns that, with the current downturn in the economy, the future of the key proposal could be in doubt. If the project proposal by Kells Development Company goes ahead, up to 350 construction jobs and 400 permanent positions could be created. It is estimated that the town centre would take two years to build. However, a decision still has to be made about the future of the project. Spokesman for the development company, Alan McEntee, gave the news a guarded welcome this week. He said their planning consultants would be assessing the implications of the planning conditions and the economic viability of the project. Planning permission lasts for 10 years from the date of sanction. Kells and District Chamber of Commerce congratulated the Kells Development Company on its successful planning application. Chamber president, Jess Olohan, said the Chamber recognised that the country was in tough economic times, but it would be great to see some start on the Backlands project. "We hope it will be completed and open for business when the economy emerges from the present difficult situation," she said. The cathaoirleach of Kells Town Council, Cllr Brian Curran, expressed delight at the decision and said it was an historic day for Kells. He predicted that, with the development, Kells would become a major commercial centre in north Leinster and the development would see a huge increase in footfall in the town. He added that Kells Town Council wanted this development to happen. There had been many late nights and early mornings put into the project by the council and the developers. Cllr Bryan Reilly also welcomed the project and hoped the developers would proceed without delay to bring life into the area. Cllr Oliver Sweeney said that, despite tough economic times, the prospect of further development in Kells was a positive step. "There are doubts over whether or not it will proceed now, but the council will continue to encourage development, particularly now that jobs are scarce," he said. Cllr Tommy Grimes also expressed his delight at the decision and promised that local councillors and officials would give every assistance they could to the project which, he said, be great for business in Kells. "We have to accept there is a recession, but I hope this will kick off fairly quickly," he said. Cllr Conor Ferguson said he hoped the developers would be confident enough to start the development in the current climate. The original Backlands proposal had been rejected by Meath County Council planners in 2007. Consultations then ensued and these went on for a year. A factor in the application was the amount of support the project received from Kells Town Council members of all parties, and the town's Chamber of Commerce. A revised planning application was submitted by the firm in August 2008. The company has said that the mixed use of retail, commercial and residential elements would greatly enhance the quality of life for the people of Kells and the surrounding area, "bringing the best of facilities, both civic and commercial, to their doorstep".