2560046
re-commencement and extension of a quarry, previously granted planning reference number 90/006374 and registered as QY/28 under S261. The Proposed Development is located within the townland of Deerpark and Donaghmore Co. Wicklow. The application includes the re-commencement of the old quarry of circa 2 hectares and a phased extension to the extraction area of circa 5.01 hectares, to a finished quarry floor level of 165mOD requiring circa three benches each 15m in height. The Proposed Development will re-commence blasting, extraction and processing of rock using mobile crushing and dry screening and associated works, along with short term stockpiling of materials at the site. This application includes for the construction and provision of an upgraded site entrance, office/welfare facilities, carpark, wheel wash, weighbridge, haul routes and all other ancillary infrastructure, boundary berms, safety features and landscaping onsite. A total site area of circa 8.1 hectares is applied for. Upon completion of extraction activities, the Site will be subject to a Restoration Plan, which will be submitted as part of this application. A planning permission of 25 years is being sought for the Proposed Development. The application is accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (‘EIAR’) and a Natura Impact Statement (‘NIS’) which will be available for inspection
Core Refusal Reason
The proposal was refused due to significant adverse visual impacts on a sensitive high-amenity landscape, serious traffic safety concerns on a substandard local road network, and inadequate environmental assessment regarding noise and drainage impacts.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The development would create a significant visual scar in a sensitive 'Area of High Amenity' and negatively impact protected Prospect ID 48, contravening landscape protection policies.
- The project would endanger public safety by creating a traffic hazard on narrow local roads where sightlines are inadequate and necessary road upgrades are outside the applicant's control.
- The application failed to provide sufficient information in the EIAR and NIS to rule out significant negative impacts on residential amenities via noise and the Slaney River Valley SAC via drainage and restoration.