2360042
the demolition of existing disused buildings and the development of a dimension stone quarry with a projected lifetime of c. 14 years (12 – 13 years operational with an additional 1-year to allow for the implementation of a restoration plan) at this site of c. 9.34 hectares at Bannagagole, Old Leighlin, Co. Carlow. The proposed quarry void (c. 2.44 ha) will be extracted to a depth of 2 no. benches of c. 10m from top of bedrock, with a final floor level of c. 56.5m AOD with a proposed rate of rock extraction of c.30,000 cubic metres (84,000 tonnes) per annum. A proposed working area of c. 1.2 hectares to the south of the extraction zone will provide for the crushing / processing of unusable stone and temporary storage of dimensional stone and will include machinery storage shed (c. 115m²), staff welfare (c. 45.7 m²) , wastewater holding tank, weighbridge & Office (c. 14m²) and staff car parking area. The proposed development will also include for earthen screening berms to a height of c. 3 m, a wheelwash facility; Installation of surface water attenuation and settlement ponds for the treatment of suspended solids in the floor of the quarry void; soil storage area with an average storage depth of c. 4 m and all other site development works above and below ground including the restoration of the final quarry void (extractive area). Access to the proposed development will be facilitated by a HGV site entrance from the L3036 at the eastern boundary of the proposed site. An Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) and a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been submitted
Core Refusal Reason
The application was refused due to significant deficiencies in the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) and Natura Impact Statement (NIS), specifically failing to adequately assess cumulative impacts with the adjoining quarry and potential adverse effects on the River Barrow and River Nore SAC.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) failed to provide a robust evaluation of potential cumulative impacts, particularly regarding blasting, crushing, and processing activities in conjunction with the existing adjacent quarry.
- The Natura Impact Statement (NIS) did not sufficiently demonstrate that the development would not adversely affect the integrity of the River Barrow and River Nore SAC, especially concerning hydrological pathways and blasting risks.
- The proposed development is considered contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area due to the lack of objective information to exclude significant negative environmental and ecological impacts.