An Bord Pleanála (ABP) has granted planning consent and CPO approval for the Athy Distributor Road scheme without the imposition of any additional conditions.

The approval clears the way for the scheme to proceed once the mitigation measures contained with the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and the commitments provided at the Oral Hearing are implemented.

In assessing the Environmental Impact Statement, Natura Impact Statement (NIS) and CPO Orders prepared by ROD-AECOM, the board found that:

  • The effects of the proposed road development on the environment would be acceptable
  • The project would not adversely affect the integrity of the European Site, in view of the site’s conservation objectives

Michelle Doyle, partner, McCann Fitzgerald Solicitors, commented:

We have not read such a superbly crafted witness statement that dealt with all the submissions/objections in such a seamless manner. It should be a template for everyone going forward.