Decision on Mayo quarry extraction plan upheld

PLANS by a quarry operator in south Mayo to deepen its extraction area have been approved by An Coimisiún Pleanála.

They relate to a site owned by McGraths Limestone Works Limited at Cregaree, Cong, where permission was granted by Mayo County Council for the deepening of 19 ha. of the existing permitted quarry extraction area, in a 25-year permission.

That decision was subsequently appealed and issues raised included impact on amenity as a result of dust, noise and vibration.

An inspector with An Coimisiún Pleanála recommended a grant of permission, subject to conditions, which the appeals board agreed with.

The order stated that having regard to the nature, scale and extent of the proposed development, it is considered that, subject to compliance with conditions, the proposed development will continue to provide the supply of aggregates for the construction industry and would not have an unacceptable impact on water quality, traffic, visual amenity or residential amenity. It would constitute an acceptable form of development in this location.

It also considered that the proposed development would be in accordance with national, regional and local planning policy and would be acceptable in respect of its likely effects on the environment and its likely consequences for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.