2560068
a quarry development, at Coolnapish, Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow on behalf of Milford Quarries Ltd., comprising of: (a) The excavation of 114,000 m3 of sand and gravel (no processing), over an extractive area of 2.11-hectares at an average annual rate of circa 40,000 tonnes, over a 5-year period (i.e. circa 190,000 tonnes overall). (b) Construction of a new splayed entrance and access road. (c) Construction of a perimeter berm within a 5m-wide strip immediately adjacent to and outside the extractive area, all within the overall development area of 2.49-hectares. (d) Construction of a wheelbath. (e) All associated site works and services to facilitate the development. A five-year term is sought for extraction and an overall development period of eight years is sought to allow for preparatory site works and completion of restoration works. A Natura Impact Statement has been prepared in respect of the proposed development and is submitted with the Application
Core Refusal Reason
The application was refused due to insufficient information to rule out significant adverse impacts on protected European sites, local hydrology, residential amenity, and the high-sensitivity landscape character of the area.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to provide a complete Natura Impact Statement and EIA Screening Report, leaving the Planning Authority unable to rule out significant negative impacts on the River Barrow and River Nore SAC and the wider environment.
- The proposal lacked adequate technical assessments regarding noise, dust, ground stability, and hydrogeology, posing an unacceptable risk to residential amenities, private wells, and public health.
- The development was deemed incompatible with its location in a Class 4 high-sensitivity landscape and failed to adequately assess pedestrian safety and impacts on the Turas Columbanus walking route.