A group of TDs and senators within Fine Gael have released a joint statement criticising the environmental group An Taisce for appealing the High Court decision to grant planning permission for a new cheese plant on the Kilkenny-Waterford border.

Milk capacity issues due to planning delays caused by An Taisce’s appeals have already had a knock-on effect, with Glanbia making the controversial decision to limit peak milk supply from their suppliers.

Deputies Charlie Flanagan (Laois-Offaly), Paul Kehoe (Wexford), John Paul Phelan (Carlow Kilkenny) and David Stanton (Cork East) and Senators Garret Ahearn (Tipperary) and John Cummins (Waterford) are urging An Taisce to withdraw its appeal against the planning.

The group said: “Glanbia’s proposed investment at Belview is a joint venture with a Dutch firm specialising in cheesemaking.

“This notice to appeal the decision made by Kilkenny County Council, An Bord Pleanála and now the High Court doesn’t cast Ireland in a good light locally, regionally or internationally – particularly at a time when we urgently need foreign direct investment and sustainable, well-paying jobs in our rural economy.

“How An Taisce (funded by the taxpayer) are taking the planning system and Government policy to a second court is beyond comprehension,” the group said.

This is a major blow to the thousands of dairy farmers supplying Glanbia.

“They’re alienating the profession which has the most influence over the environment they claim they are protecting.

“It’s not too late for An Taisce to withdraw their latest appeal and to work with the planning system, rather than constantly against it.

“Surely a constructive conversation around a table could iron out with Glanbia and its partner any outstanding concerns.

“This is a major blow to the thousands of dairy farmers supplying Glanbia.

“They’re already facing supply restrictions from next year following the delay in developing this plant and a subsequent surplus of milk in the system.”