Core Planning Reasoning
The development is considered acceptable as it facilitates essential infrastructural road works, complies with the extractive industry objectives of the County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030, and is not expected to significantly injure residential amenity or public health provided it adheres to strict noise limits and notification conditions.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The principle of the proposed development is acceptable as it caters to the requirements of the Local Authority for road surfacing at off-peak times and aligns with the provisions of the operative Development Plan regarding extractive industries.
- Technical assessments and previous monitoring data indicate that noise levels associated with the extended operation can be maintained within the EPA's recommended night-time limit of 45dB at noise-sensitive receptors.
- A temporary 2-year permission is recommended to allow for the impact of the extended operating hours to be monitored and reassessed in the interest of protecting residential amenity.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Objective EX-O-1Policy EX-P-1Policy EX-P-2Policy L-P-2Section 9.2 (Extractive Industry and Geology)Map 6.3.1 (Rural Area Types)Map 11.1 (Scenic Amenity Areas)
Decision Document Summary
The proposal involves the alteration of operating hours for an existing asphalt plant within Churchill Quarry, Letterkenny, to allow for 24-hour operation for a maximum of 30 days annually. The applicant, Moyle Plant Hire, justifies the request based on the necessity of providing fresh asphalt for night-time road works in Letterkenny and offshore islands when traffic volumes are low. The site is situated in a rural area designated as 'Structurally Weak' and within an 'Area of High Scenic Amenity...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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