Cheese factory plans could progress next year

A proposal to establish a new cheese-making factory with shop and cafe/restaurant could breathe new life into what's described in planning documents as two derelict agricultural buildings in the heart of Ballymahon.

2023 is listed in the planning documents as the projected commencement date for the project at Main Street by applicant John McNally, who recently got the planning approval extended for another five years.

Due to the economic climate experienced during the lifetime of the planning permission, it proved difficult to implement the original planning permission, the applicant maintained, in the planning documents lodged in April, adding that it was for this reason that he was seeking an extension of the duration of time. The original planning approval was back in 2017 in the name of Jan Eric Lemmi.

The application is for a change of use of two existing derelict agricultural buildings which are both listed as protected structures into a cafe/restaurant/food outlet and cheese-making factory and shop at Main Street in the town. An associated kitchen area, customer sit-down area with staff and customer toilet facilities also forms part of the project. In addition, the planning permission covers the construction of a single-storey extension linking the two buildings together, along with alterations to facades and all ancillary works.

On May 20 last, Longford County Council gave the green light to the extension of the duration of the planning approval for another five years subject to compliance with 15 separate planning conditions, relating to signage, lighting, and operation of the food business, finishes and parking

The Ballymahon project is expected to be completed by the winter of 2024, the latest planning documents indicate.