Permission refused for Carlow quarry development as local horse riders raise concerns
Development would have seen 190,000 tonnes of gravel excavated from a site just outside Bagenalstown
Planning permission has been refused for the development of a quarry in County Carlow after a number of local horse riding clubs raised concerns.
A planning application submitted to Carlow County Council detailed plans for a site at an address of Coolnapish, Bagenalstown.
The development would have seen the excavation of some 114,000 square metres of sand and gravel over an extractive area of 2.11 hectares.
This would have been done at an average rate of around 40,000 tonnes per year over a five-year period.
In total, it was proposed that approximately 190,000 tonnes would be excavated from the site.
The construction of a new splayed entrance, access road, perimeter berm and wheelbath were also proposed.
As well as that, a number of other ancillary works were due to be undertaken.
The application was submitted by Milford Quarries Ltd on March 21, 2025.
Carlow County Council subsequently received a large number of submissions in relation to the proposed development.
In its submission, the Coolnapish Community Group raised a number of concerns.
It noted the nearby location of the Carrigbeg Riding Stables and the potential impact of the development on horses and riders.
The group described a number of assessments carried out by the applicant as “severely flawed”, saying they “underestimate the impacts” of the development.
Meanwhile, the Barrow Valley Riding Club, which is based at the stables, said that noise pollution from the quarry is a major concern.
Additionally, it argued that the local roads are narrow and winding and “ill-suited for increased heavy traffic”.
Club chairperson Sally Roberts stated: “We strongly urge the council to consider the detrimental impact on our club, the local community, and the equine welfare implications of the proposed quarry development.
“The proximity of the quarry poses significant health and safety risks, threatening the viability of Carrigbeg Riding Stables and, by extension, the future of Barrow Valley Riding Club.
“For many of us, the potential closure of the stables would mean the end of a lifelong passion and a significant chapter of our lives.
“We implore the council to make the right decision and refuse planning permission for the proposed quarry.”
The Association of Irish Riding Establishments also strongly objected to the proposed development, citing “serious and unacceptable risks”.
It argued that elevated noise levels would unsettle and frighten horses and would lead to an increase in the number of accidents.
As a result, Carlow County Council refused permission for the development on April 27.
The council said it was not satisfied that the proposed development “would not adversely affect” the surrounding area of conservation.
It also noted the site’s proximity to existing residential properties and the development’s potential impact on local walkers and motorists.
The council concluded by saying that the proposed development was not in line with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.