Planning board overturns council’s approval for oyster facility in Whitecastle

A decision by Donegal County Council to grant permission for an oyster processing facility in Whitecastle has been overturned by An Coimisiún Pleanála following objections by residents.

The development, planned by Angling Tours Ireland, sought to erect an agricultural building for grading oysters, along with a treatment plant, percolation area, and associated car parking facilities at the development.

However, despite Donegal County Council granting permission for the facility, the national planning body ruled that it was “not satisfied that adequate information has been submitted to establish that the proposed development would be served by satisfactory surface water drainage arrangements.”

In its decision, the Board cited a lack of clarity regarding surface water drainage, the disputed presence of an open drain along the western boundary of the site, and concerns around attenuation and run-off rates.

Two objectors appealed the original decision by Donegal County Council on several grounds, including traffic hazards, alleged contravention of the County Development Plan, deficiencies in the Natura Impact Statement, concerns about potential health risks, possible impacts on water quality, odour and noise pollution, and the potential devaluation of nearby homes.

A group made up of Whitecastle Residents objected to the development due to the possible odours that could be emitted from the oyster property and concerns that it could lead to the possible devaluation of properties for residents. 

“A waste management plan submitted, which states there should be no odours associated with business, but considering that the plan is to store up to 0.5 of a tonne of decaying oysters, which will be crushed and placed on nearby lands, it is unimaginable how this might be achieved,” the group said in its submission.

Eddie Davenport, speaking on behalf of Whitecastle Residents Group, said the proposed development is located within a designated high scenic area and would be “a visually obstructive feature in the landscape.”

“There are 17 homes within a half mile of this proposed development, and it would greatly devalue our homes,” he said.

Mr. Davenport also raised specific concerns about surface water drainage proposals, an issue that ultimately formed a central reason for the refusal.

He states that while the application claims that an attenuation basin would be provided, Mr. Davenport argued that the basin lay outside the confines of the proposed site and therefore outside the control of the applicant. “This tank will allow for the release of effluent into an open drain, which, contrary to the report submitted by Angling Tours Ireland, does not exist.” 

Given the nature of the development, he said the lack of certainty raised serious questions about potential contamination risks.

“It is reasonable to suggest that this water will contain contamination which is detrimental to human health and that of the environment,” he stated.

Separately, the School principal, Patrick Patton of Whitecastle Primary School, objected for several reasons, including on traffic safety grounds. The entrance and bus car park for Scoil Naomh Fionán are located just a few hundred metres from the proposed site.

Mr. Patton said the junction of the local secondary road L6211-1 and the Moville to Derry Road (R238) is already operating at capacity during the school year.

“Due to the traffic movements associated with Scoil Naomh Fionán, the junction is at capacity throughout the school year,” he said.

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He noted that six full-size school buses, three minibuses, and numerous private vehicles already use the route daily, leading to delays and congestion.

“It is not uncommon that vehicles wishing to turn across the R238 onto the L6211-1 are forced to wait on the R238 carriageway, because school traffic prevents the completion of the turning movements,” he added.