Development consists of:

a) Extraction of rock 4.35 hectares which was previously subject to rock extraction and all associated facilities/works
b) Extraction of rock will be undertaken by blasting means down to minus 5m above Ordnance Datum with material transported to the existing fixed crushing and screening plant for processing with occasional processing at the application site using mobile plant
c) Storage of quarry aggregate on completion of extraction
d) Landscaping and restoration of the site and all ancillary facilities/works
e) The applicant is seeking a 5 year permission as part of the planning application.

This application follows refusal from Galway County Council for a similar application from Harrington’s under 18/1149.

As the proposed development consists of the exact same proposal which was submitted as part of the planning application 18/1149 except for a reduction in the planning duration from 25 years to 5 years, then we would expect that the Council’s refusal to 18/1149 also stands for 20/651.

The Council in refusal states the following:

The proposed development has been assessed, within the restrictions imposed by the principles of proper planning and sustainable development and having regard to the policies and objectives of Galway County Council as set out in the 2015-2021 County Development Plan. Based on this assessment it is considered that the proposed development would be contrary to the proper planning policies as set out in the County Development Plan.

This new proposed development should also be assessed, within the restrictions imposed by the principles of proper planning and sustainable development and with regards to the policies and objectives of Galway County Council as set out in the 2015 – 2021 County Development Plan.

The local community have the following concerns:

1. The emission of dust particles from the quarry and the negative impact on local property from coating/soiling of property (including housing, washing, and cars), coating of vegetation, contamination of soils, water pollution and change in plant species composition. Where large amounts of dust are deposited on vegetation over a long time scale (a full growing season for example) there may be some adverse effects upon the plants photosynthesis, respiration and transpiration. The overall effect could be a decline in plant productivity, which may then have indirect effects on fauna.

2. The incoming and out-going roads to the quarry are not designed for articulated trucks, they are country roads. This poses a serious risk to road users, in particular pedestrians. The quarry is located in close proximity to a national school and pick up and drop off points for buses to local secondary schools and poses great risk to the students, teachers and parents.

3. The community is concerned with the gas line that runs near this quarry and the potential risks that arises from this. The community is unaware of any due diligence or independent verification that any blasting from the quarry will not have any negative impacts to the gas line.

4. The community is not satisfied that the proposed development would not endanger the health and safety of persons occupying or adjoining the site, or those attending the local National School and seriously injure the amenities of property in the vicinity.

This petition is an outreach to members of the impacted communities and concerned members of the public to express their position on the expansion application to be located at Harrington Concreate & Quarries, Ardgaineen, Claregalway, Co. Galway.

We ask you to support us in our opposition to the proposed quarry by adding your name to this petition.