Appeal over planned ESB substation in Limerick rejected

AN BORD Pleanala has granted permission to allow a manufacturing firm to build an electrical substation on its land.

Cadmin, which is located in the Raheen Industrial Estate, sought permission from council to construct the facility.

This will allow electricity to be transmitted at different voltages to what is allowed on the main network.

Substations are often put in place by manufacturing firms.

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Although local planners green-lit the development, a local landowner, who has objected to a number of other developments in the Raheen Industrial Estate, referred the application to An Bord Pleanala.

He argued there are no control measures in place for environmental protection arising from possible waste from the new electrical substation.

He also raised concerns in relation to the flooding and the risk of contamination of groundwater taking into account ongoing investigations into pollution at Raheen Industrial Estate.

In his initial appeal to Limerick City and County Council, he identified the neighbouring Loughmore Canal and Barnakyle Stream goes through his lands.

And he expressed concern about overdevelopment in the area.

In response, Cadmin said a new ESB substation is necessary to deliver the required amount of power to run the plant. The firm also pointed out providing a substation will wipe out the need for fossil fuel powered equipment to heat and cool the buildings.

Cadmin also stated to not grant permission would have a “significant effect” on its future plans.

An Bord Pleanala granted permission.