Plans for pipeline to discharge waste water into the River Boyne refused
An Bord Pleanála has upheld an appeal to overturn Meath County's granting of planning permission to construct an industrial pipeline to discharge waste water from a meat plant into the River Boyne.
In 2021 Dawn Meats applied for planning permission for an extension to its waste water treatment plant and these plans included the construction of a 7.2km pipeline that would carry waste water from its meat plant at Beauparc, across the parish and pump it into the River Boyne at Cotton Mills.
The plans drew huge opposition locally over the impact the pumping of huge volumes of commercial treated wastewater would have on the integrity of the river and over 400 submissions were made on the plans, however Meath Co Council granted permission for the pipeline.
The 'Save the Boyne' Facebook page, set up as a platform for individuals and groups opposed to the plans, has more than 9,000 members.
Even former James Bond star and Navan man Pierce Brosnan got in on the action making a passionate plea for the River Boyne "where he grew up" be protected.
The movie star reached out to Meath County Council in a video uploaded to Save the Boyne Facebook page pleading for the decision to be overturned saying:
"Waste from the Dawn Meats abattoir should not be discharged into the River Boyne. I appeal to the Meath County Council to protect the River Boyne and their community."
Outlining the reason for refusal ABP stated:
"Insufficient information had been submitted by the applicant to adequately demonstrate that the proposed development would not directly, indirectly and cumulatively adversely affect 3water quality in the River Boyne which is interlinked with population and human health (driving water) biodiversity (fish and mammals) and material assets - natural and agricultural resources (tourism, recreation and other amenities )"
In a statement, the Save the Boyne Group said the decision is "a win" for the River Boyne. It said:
"STB Group welcomes the decision of ABP to reject Dawn Meat Proposal for waste to Boyne. This has been a long awaited decision for all those involved in this campaign.
"While STB Group have concerns about the level of over sight and scrutiny provided at county council level we welcome the decision and more importantly the reasons for the refusal of this application. The application was rejected mainly on the grounds of protecting perhaps the greatest resource our planet has to offer, Water.
"The Boyne has significant meaning to all its people who share its shores and waterways from the canoeist, the angler, the photographer and those who stroll its environs. It has a shared history and meaning to each person and all collectively.
"We would like to take this opportunity to thank all for taking a stand on such an important issue. It gives great hope going forward that when people stand together they can prevail. Also the biggest winner in all of this is the Boyne itself, while we take this win we also understand that the River Boyne along with many other waterways in Ireland are under huge stress due to poor planning, poor water treatment plants and general pollutants into our rivers and streams."