Permission sought again for controversial Inishowen asphalt plant
The site at Gortnaskea near Scalp Mountain is located about 4km from Burnfoot, and was previously part of Barr’s quarry.
Plans to build an asphalt plant near Burnfoot have been lodged despite the previous application being rejected on appeal by An Bord Pleanála following major opposition from the local community.
The proposed development by Moyle Plant Limited entails the construction of an asphalt plant and associated site development works.
Directors of Moyle Plant Limited were listed with the application as Anthony and Bridie Cassidy, Buncrana.
The site at Gortnaskea near Scalp Mountain is located about 4km from Burnfoot, and was previously part of Barr’s quarry.
Currently, there is no supplier of Bituminous materials within Inishowen, which means that materials which are used within the peninsula are transported into the area.
As part of the application, a planning statement was included from Moyle Plant’s architect Michael Friel outlining how the applicant is seeking “planning permission to develop a site which will allow for bituminous materials to be produced at this location for use in the local area.”
Also included in the application were four letters of support for the development from businesses involved in the construction industry in Inishowen, who have stated that an asphalt plant in the peninsula would be beneficial due to the cost of transporting the materials into Inishowen which results in the price of the product being more expensive for the public.
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Moyle Plant Limited was granted planning permission in May 2021 for the development on land adjacent to an established concrete block batching plant and adjoining active and disused quarries.
There was huge local opposition to the development, including a petition that received almost 2,000 signatures and the setting up of a protest group – South Inishowen Against Asphalt Plant. More than 120 objections were lodged against the original application to Donegal County Council.
A number of appeals against the decision were lodged to An Bord Pleanála by local residents who were fearful of the potential health and environmental impacts of the plant.
In overturning the decision by Donegal County Council in December 2022, An Bord Peanála said "insufficient information" had been provided by the applicant on the extent and nature of material that would be dumped on the site and the potential impacts on the Lough Swilly special area of conservation and special protection area.
The potential impact of emissions from the development on the two areas had not been assessed, the Board said.
An Bord Pleanála said it was not satisfied that the development itself, or in combination with other projects or plans, would not adversely impact the protected sites as well as the Lough Foyle special protection area.
The Board also ruled that the need for the development to be in that specific site had not been demonstrated, nor that it would make "a significant contribution" to Donegal's economy and that it would be contrary to the county development plan and the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
The decision also stated the Board was not satisfied that the development would not contribute to "a pattern of excessive noise levels" at nearby homes.
In the current application, the applicants stated that they are now “confident” that they are in a position to address the three areas of concern for which An Bord Peanála refused permission.
Any submissions on the application can be made until July 7th. A decision on the plant is expected to be made by July 28th.