2660157

and continuation of quarrying activities for the extraction, by mechanical means only (wire and chainsaws), of dimension stone that includes: extraction within an area of 2.4 hectares; processing and storage of quarried material; provision of a wheel wash; provision of a hardstand area and hydrocarbon interceptor; all ancillary siteworks; for a period of 7years and all within an application area of 4.5Ha

Refused

Core Refusal Reason

The development was refused due to significant road safety hazards arising from the intensification of an entrance onto a high-speed national road and the failure to demonstrate that the project would not adversely impact protected Natura 2000 habitats and groundwater.

Decision Maker's Conclusion

  • The intensification of an unauthorized entrance onto the N84 national road, where a 100km/h speed limit applies, would create a traffic hazard and interfere with the safe flow of traffic due to substandard visibility and inadequate sight distances.
  • The planning authority could not rule out significant impacts on the Lough Corrib SAC (Site Code: 000297) because the application failed to satisfactorily evaluate groundwater connectivity and omitted an assessment of Priority Annex I Limestone Pavement habitat.
  • The proposal materially contravenes multiple policy objectives of the Galway County Development Plan 2022-2028 concerning the protection of strategic roads, natural heritage, biodiversity, and water resources.

Cited Policies (CDP)

NR 1NR 4DM Standard 28MEQ 2NHB 1NHB 2WR 1DM Standard 50

Decision Document Summary

The applicant, Michael Maloney (Maloney Stone), sought permission for the retention and continuation of dimension stone quarrying activities on a 4.5-hectare site at Ballydonnellan, Headford, Co. Galway, accessed via the N84 national road. While the principle of the land use was considered acceptable in a strategic context, the application was refused by Galway County Council. The primary grounds for refusal were the creation of a traffic hazard on a high-speed national route and the lack of suf...
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