Residents welcome hearing into quarry planning

LOCAL residents are welcoming the decision of Bord Pleanala to hold a full oral hearing into a controversial planning application for a 16.5-hectare quarry in Co Tipperary.

South Tipperary County Council has already granted planning permission to local landowner Pat O’Donnell for the quarry which would be located at Kilconnell midway between Cashel and Fethard.

However, the decision has met with major disapproval in the area, and in the wake of the high level of opposition the national planning appeals board has decided to hold an oral hearing before making a final adjudication on it.

A spokesman for the objectors, Seamas Hayes, said the development of such a massive quarry is “completely inappropriate” in its intended location. “Even with restrictions,” he said, “it will operate for 62 hours a week.”

Mr Hayes said there are insufficient infrastructural facilities in terms of water, drainage, and roads while there is an ancient castle adjoining the site which would be damaged by the blasting and quarrying vibrations.

“We believe the decision of South Tipperary County Council to grant planning permission is worthy of further scrutiny, and we now look forward to the opportunity of putting our evidence and arguments to the oral hearing.”

It is expected that the hearing will be held before the end of the year and that a final decision from Bord Pleanala will be delivered in the first quarter of 2006.