HomeMy WebLinkAbout2560309 - Report Received from Internal Staff - EnvironmentENVIRONMENTAL REPORT
To: Donna McEvoy – A/Executive Scientist
From: Martina McPhillips (Environment Section – Waste Team)
Re: 25/60309 Gallinagh Poultry Farms Ltd, Newgrove, Monaghan, Co. Monaghan
Consultants: CS Pringle (Dean Ryan – Architectural Tech.)
Permission: planning permission for the infilling of lands with imported inactive or inert waste
(app. 6220m³) to a maximum depth of 2.4m over 0.80Ha, accessed off existing
entrance, finished with topsoil and grassed over on completion, together with all
ancillary & associated site works.
Planner: Brian McGeary
Location: Newgrove, Monaghan, Co. Monaghan
Date: 20/07/2026
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Background
The application site is located on a Poor unproductive, except in local zones, aquifer in an area of
Extreme groundwater vulnerability. The development site is located within the Dromore SC_010
subcatchment which has been assigned Poor ecological status under the Water Framework Directive.
Pressures include Agriculture.
The total area of the site is 0.80 Ha, 1.97acres. The application has stated the total volume of fill to be
imported onto the site will be approximately 6,220m³, which converts to 9,330 Tonnes to a maximum
depth of 2.4m over the 0.80 Ha site. This activity will be subject to authorisation from Environmental
Services under the Waste Management Act (Facility Permit and Registration) Regulations 2007 as
amended.
The following additional information was requested
a) Clarify the proposed classes of activity and type of materials to be used for the infilling of the
lands
Revised flood risk assessment received outlines the proposed class of activity will be 5 & 6 if done
under a certificate of registration or waste facility permit. This may also be done under Article 27 EPA
notification using by-product. The type of material used for infilling the lands is inert material or By-
product or as otherwise described in the attached breakdown of materials to be used.
Site layout plan fails to demonstrate a berm or designated area required for accepting, storing, and
utilising any by-product material. No details submitted regarding both by-product and infill waste to
be accepted. To determine the total volume of material accepted both types of material must be
accounted for.
b) Revised flood risk assessment is required in order to demonstrate why the runoff risk index of
3 was chosen. The flood risk assessment must take into account the characteristics of the
imported subsoil which will impact on water storage and flood risk.
Revised Flood Risk Assessment received in response to the FI request. This updated report differs
from the version submitted previously. While initial evaluations suggested the existing 225mm
diameter pipe was insufficient—with a proposed upgrade to a 300mm pipe—the revised report
confirms otherwise. The report states the 225mm pipe is large enough to limit the maximum
extent of flooding.
Email from OPW received with FI states pluvial maps are not considered to be reliable for the
purpose of zoning or decision making and therefore not suitable for site-specific decision-making.
The revised FRA proposes a toe drain along the toe of the embankment into which any runoff from
the fill area is collected and will increase available storage.
c) Revised topographical survey using Arc 3d modelling or similar in order to demonstrate
approximate available space in tonnages per cross section
Site Layout plan and volume calculations received as part of FI. The plan outlines cross-sections of the
site, while the calculations compare existing and proposed design elevations to show cut-and-fill
volumes. According to the received Site Layout plan and volume calculations, approximately 6,365 m³
of infill is required.
Recommendations
I recommend refusal of this planning application due to the reasons outlined below.
The applicant, Gallinagh Poultry Farms Ltd, holds a Certificate of Registration (COR-MN-20-0003-01)
for a site at Clover, Co. Monaghan, located 900m from the proposed development. Operations at this
location have ceased because the site has reached capacity. The permit expired November 2025.
However, the applicant is currently non-compliant with multiple permit conditions and has not yet
successfully surrendered the registration for the Clover site.
Applicant has been directed to comply with Condition 7, Restoration and Aftercare of the Certificate
of Registration and the site to be completed in line with the planning permission granted for this
development site.
A site visit took place 14/07/2026 where a large mound of concrete was observed. I discussed the
surrender of permit COR-MN-20-0003-01 with the applicant. Applicant stated he would utilise the
excess concrete on his own land by hiring in a crusher and make cow paths. I explained to the
applicant; an on-site crusher is not permitted under planning ref: 19408. The excess concrete is to be
recovered at an authorised site. Applicant unwilling to comply with this requirement.
When engaging in a conversation with the applicant on the day of the site visit, applicant said he was
not going to undertake the required environmental monitoring at the proposed site at Newgrove.
Applicant has failed to submit 2025 Annual Return data through the NWCPO portal.
Prepared By:
Date: 20/07/2026
Environment Technician
Approved Date: 20/07/23026
A/Executive Scientist