Bid to extend Cam quarry life by 25 years is refused

Roscommon County Council has refused a planning application by Roadstone Limited to extend operations at Cam Quarry in South Roscommon by a further 25 years.

On February 6, the council sought further information on 22 points relating to a planning application by Roadstone Ltd to continue extracting limestone using conventional blasting techniques and processing of rock using a crushing and screening plant. Also included in the planning application was a proposal to continue use of the ESB substation on the site.

At that time, the council raised concerns about the potential adverse impact of the proposed development arising from dust emissions, as well as having 'serious concerns' regarding the proposal for off-site dewatering to the Ballyglass River, including in relation to the impact such activity may have on water quality at and downstream of the proposed outfall.

Following the council's request for further information, Roadstone Ltd submitted its responses which the council deemed to contain 'significant additional data', leading to Roadstone Ltd publishing a revised planning notice, and erecting a new site notice on the land to which the further information related.

Concerns were expressed by a number of local people over the planning application, citing worries about possible health and environmental impacts as well as traffic congestion.

In rejecting the planning application, the council said it had not been satisfactorily evidenced that dewatering will not be required to facilitate the proposed development, and that adverse effects on the integrity and conservation of the European sites in the vicinity, cannot be ruled out, as a result of the proposed project.

Roadstone Limited has been associated with the site in the townslands of Curry and Cloonacaltry in Brideswell, for the past two decades.

The existing quarry on the site was granted a 20-year lifespan, which Roadstone says expires on May 27, 2027.

The existing development provides full time employment for some 30 personnel including direct employees, sub-contractors, contract hauliers, maintenance contractors, material suppliers.

An appeal against the decision may be made to An Coimisiún Pleanála within four weeks from the date of the decision.