Application for Leave to Apply for Substitute Consent under section 177C (2)(b) of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended in respect of an application made by Westland Horticulture Ltd. for peat harvesting on lands at Coole and Clonbeale Mor, near Birr, County Offaly
Site: Production field of 90ha on an overall landholding of 99ha, adjacent to Bord na Mona Killuan bog
Drainage: The drains generally fall towards the ends of the production field and are directed by open drain or pipe to a sedimentation basins prior to discharge by way of gravity to two local watercourses (Rapemills River to the N and Camor River to the S)
Significant site, in excess of the threshold area for EIA in the Regulations that occurs in an area where there is other large scale peat extraction and gives rise to potential pollutants, including the potential for substantial sedimentation and chemical pollution (ammonia) of downstream waterbodies.
Since May 2000 the applicant (Westland) has operated under an IPC Licence issued by the EPA (PO500-001) to Bord na Mona who has submitted Annual Environmental Reports