Refusal for quarry in Laois village upheld

An Bord Pleanála has upheld Laois County Council's decision to refuse planning permission to open a quarry at Garrans, Stradbally.

Pat Booth applied for permission to open the quarry and carry out quarry activities within a 12.84 ha site and for the extraction and processing of sand and gravel. The application also sought on-site processing of the material and the dispatch of the materials off-site on Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs). 

The board refused to give the go-ahead over concerns about the nature and scale of the development and its proximity to the River Barrow and River Nore Special Area of Conservation (SAC). 

The board raised particular concern about the proposed quarry's proximity to the Alluvial forest within the area and the hydrological and hydrogeological connection to the SAC.

"Noting the natural drainage at ground level and groundwater level of the southern part of the application site towards the SAC, the Board was not satisfied beyond a reasonable scientific doubt that the proposed development would not have an adverse impact on the qualifying interests of the River Barrow and River Nore SAC and in the circumstances the board is precluded from granting permission," they said. 

The inspector outlined how they were not satisfied that adequate consideration was given to alternatives available, including existing sources of supply and the substitution of recycled material, or the potential for extension of the proposed use into adjoining lands, in the same ownership. 

The board however disagreed and said it was satisfied with the documents provided to support this and that there is a need/justification/demand for further supply of sand and gravel. 

All submissions were considered at a meeting of the board on May 7, 2024 when it was decided to refuse permission.