Call to target illegal quarrying

A CALL for a crackdown on illegal quarrying in Kerry was made yesterday, after it emerged six further quarries operating without permission had come to the county council’s attention.

The council’s enforcement section had already been proceeding against eight quarry operators.

Raising the issue, Independent councillor Brendan Cronin said what was “really humorous” in relation to the six most recent operations was that the lands were unregistered and the owners unknown, according to the council’s officials.

Mr Cronin said quarrying could be a big nuisance to people living along access roads to such operations.

“Quarrying must be conducted in a proper fashion. Access roads can be pulverised if they are not properly maintained. The people living near quarries suffer when proper planning isn’t granted,” he said.

He said some of the quarries were in scenic areas.

A number of quarry operators have received warning notices from the council.

Some of the operators have lodged appeals with An Bord Pleanála.