Laois quarry plans appealed to An Bord Pleanala
Permission had been granted to extract almost 600,000 tonnes of sand and gravel over ten years
Planning permission to extract almost 600,000 tonnes of material at a quarry in Abbeyleix has been appealed to An Bord Pleanala.
Tim and Gillian Fitzgerald were granted permission to operate a quarry at Redhills, Abbeyleix for ten years subject to 16 conditions on March 31, 2025.
In May of 2024, Laois County Council had looked for further information in relation to the plans which were lodged in April 2024.
The planning application sought permission for quarry activities and the extraction of sand and gravel within a total area of c. 4.40ha with an excavation area of c. 3.1ha site over a ten year period and all associated site works, which included the provision of passing bays. The total volume of the extraction was estimated at 598,581 tonnes. A restoration plan was included in the application to reinstate the site to agricultural use at the end of the project.
The plans attracted 18 submissions while under consideration by Laois County Council.
David and Louise Bland questioned the suitability of local roads, asked whether it conformed to the local development plans and expressed concern for the impact on the value of their home. Tom McNiff also queried the road safety and the suitability of a new planned entrance.
Other submissions also raised concerns over the negative traffic implications, road maintenance, local water supplies and flora and fauna.
Michael and Finola O’Keefe along with Alison Bulfin were worried about the impact on local barn owl and bat populations. They said there were already enough quarries already operating in the Ballyroan and Abbeyleix areas.
Yvonne and Andy McEvoy stated that there had been no local consultation. They said the operation of a quarry could potentially cause vibrations and damage to their home. Brendan Fingleton said the development would be detrimental to walking and cycling in the area. Mary Whelan said the road is not suitable for HGVs and was too close to dwellings. Jade Chawke and Nathan Ryan said there had been no consultation and they were concerned about road safety, water contamination and potential flood risks.
A planner at Laois County Council noted further information had been sought and received in relation to the concerns raised.
“Overall, based on the information received, the applicant has satisfactorily addressed local and wider environmental impacts, subject to compliance with the recommendations in full contained within the supporting documentation and other planning conditions which would be considered necessary in that regard,” the planner stated.
The planner then recommended that the planning be approved by the council subject to 16 conditions. The planning permission was then granted by the council on March 31, 2025.
A total of seven appeals to that decision were then lodged with an An Bord Pleanala on April 22. A final decision on the plan is expected to be made by the planning authority by August 25, 2025.