A procedural row brought a Public Planning Hearing to a halt yesterday, before it even got started.

The Hearing was to begin a process of review on an earlier decision by Clare County Council to allow an explosives factory to be sited at Kildysyart.

However, it has now been adjourned after a row developed over the procedures that can be adopted by An Bord Pleanála, and whether it is conducting an appeal of, or a review of, the decision of the local council.

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The decision to grant Shannon Explosives permission to build a €10m plant to manufacture import and export explosives in the village is being challenged by local people as well as An Taisce.

The legal team representing local people say the matter should go to the High Court for clarification.

The matter has been adjourned so that a senior inspector with the Board can seek its advice about how the hearing can proceed.

(BMcC)