An Bord Pleanala request delay in Narconon review

An Bord Pleanala has asked for more time to file their defence against Narconon's judicial review proceedings. 

At a hearing in the High Court today (Tuesday) regarding the Narconon Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Ballivor, all three notice parties - Meath Co Council, the Ballivor Community Group, and Trim Municipal District have formally withdrawn from the case, while the defendant, An Bord Pleanala has asked for more time to file their defence.
Last January, Mr Justice Seamus Noonan granted a stay, pending further order, on the Board's decision and also granted an application for leave to bring judicial review proceedings against An Bord Pleanala.
Mr Justice Noonan today has given An Bord Pleanala a further 14 days to file their defence.
In December 2014, planning permission was granted for a nursing home in Ballivor by Meath Co Council.
In September 2016, Meath County Council made a declaration confirming that, in the light of the permission already granted and the similarities with a residential drug rehab, that no further planning permission was required for the site to be used as a residential drug rehabilitation facility. It was on that basis that Narconon Trust concluded the property was suitable for its use and it purchased it in December 2016.
More than two years later, when construction work on the building was nearly complete, An Bord Pleanala made a contradictory declaration. It is this declaration which has been stayed and is being challenged by judicial review.