22334
A SMALL QUARRY/BORROW PIT FOR THE EXTRACTION OF C.200,000 TONNES OF SAND AND GRAVEL ON C. 3.2 HA OF LANDS AT ESKER MORE, MOUNT LUCAS, TULLAMORE, CO. OFFALY. THE DEVELOPMENT WILL INCLUDE A SITE OFFICE (PORTACABIN), TOILET AND HOLDING TANK, MOBILE WHEELWASH, MOBILE SCREENING AND CRUSHING PLANT, CAR PARKING, TEMPORARY OVERBURDEN STORAGE, OTHER ANCILLARIES, AND UPGRADE OF EXISTING AGRICULTURAL ENTRANCE ONTO REGIONAL ROAD R402 FOR DURATION OF THE WORKS. THE SITE WILL BE RESTORED TO AGRICULTURAL USE INCLUDING IMPORTATION OF INERT SOIL AND SUBJECT TO A WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITY PERMIT AND/OR, NOTIFICATION UNDER ARTICLE 27 OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES (WASTE DIRECTIVE) REGULATIONS 2011, S.I. NO. 126 OF 2011
Core Refusal Reason
The proposed quarrying of an esker within a designated Area of High Amenity would cause profound negative visual impacts and contravene development plan policies regarding landscape protection and traffic safety on a restricted regional road.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The development would result in extensive extraction from an esker and an Area of High Amenity, causing profound negative visual impacts and contravening Policy REDP-19.
- The proposal would impinge on the character, integrity, and scenic value of a designated Area of High Amenity, thereby contravening Objective BLO-22.
- The proposed access onto the R402 restricted regional road would compromise the capacity and efficiency of the road network, contravening Policy SMAP-23.