Plans progress for major development at WuXi in Dundalk

Plans are progressing, with a decision due from the local planning authority next month, on a major new development on a site of 7.888 hectares (19.49 acres) at the Dundalk Science and Technology Park.

WuXi Biologics Ireland Limited applied to Louth County Council in April of this year, for planning permission for the construction and operation of a new Effluent Balancing and Resource Recovery Plant (EBRRP) at its plant at Dundalk Science and Technology Park, in the townland of Haynestown, Mullagharlin, Dundalk.

The development will include excavation of the site to facilitate the proposed development, and reuse of excavated material as a landscaped spoil heap within the site. It would see the construction of three covered structures containing 12 process tanks, located within concrete bunds with metal stairwells and platforms for access, and connected to an odour treatment facility.

It includes the installation of five covered storage tanks located within concrete bunds with metal stairwells and platforms for access, as well as the installation of a sludge dewatering facility.

The plans also provide for the construction of a single-storey administration and process building with roof-mounted solar panels and rainwater harvesting tank; and the widening of an existing access on the Mullagharlin Road and associated setback of the existing hedgerow, to facilitate a temporary construction access and a permanent operational access for small vehicles. 

The planning application also provides for the construction of a fabricated metal access bridge and pipe and cable support structures to link the proposed development with the existing biopharmaceuticals plant; a temporary construction compound, to include double-stacked metal containers/cabins with access stairs, laydown areas, and 50 parking spaces; temporary internal road; and temporary internal construction haul road (including footpath); as well as all site development works, drainage, ancillary equipment, lighting, retaining walls, fencing, and landscaping works.

WuXi said when applying for planning permission that the application relates to a development which comprises of an activity which holds an Industrial Emissions Discharge (IED) Licence; and that an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) was prepared in respect of the proposed development and would be submitted to the planning authority with the application.

A decision on the application had initially been expected in June but following a request for further information on the proposed development, this was delayed. Following the submission by WuXi of further information on 2 August, a decision is now due on the application by 26 September.