Banagher Chilling Limited intends to apply for permission to build a huge food processing factory and expand an existing abattoir at Boheradurrow and Meenwaun, several miles from the town.

If it gets the go-ahead from the local authority, it's understood at least 250 will be employed in the plant's construction, and over 200 jobs across the factory and abattoir once it is fully operational.

The group of investors is understood to have purchased the abattoir, which has an existing licences attached, and a large plot of land neighbouring the facility spanning roughy 55 acres.

It's believed that once an application has been lodged with Offaly County Council, the public will be invited to a launch that will explain the full magnitude of the factory development.

A planning notice for the project appeared in the local media this week.

Once up and running, it is expected that the plant will process up to 250 cattle per day, fully for export to China.

The size of the operation has been likened to the ABP meat processing plant in Nenagh with complete "farm to fork" traceability.

If approved, it could mean the biggest boost to the economy and jobs sector in South Offaly for many years.

The proposed development consists of a single storey extension to the existing abattoir (1,061 square metres) to include processing rooms, staff changing rooms, and offices, as well as an increase in roof height.

There are plans for the construction of a food processing factory; what is envisaged to include processing rooms, cold store, loading bay, chill rooms, plant rooms, staff changing rooms, staff canteen and administration offices.

The factory will measure 4,925 square metres in total, with a part first floor of 2,299 square metres.