Carnaross quarry reinstatement sets 'an example for Europe'

A Carnaross quarry reinstatement project is being held up across Europe as an example of how a successful restoration project of its kind should be carried out. The gravel pit is owned by Bernard Harton of Harton's Sand and Gravel at Pottlereagh and is managed by Michael Mooney, who has taken great pride in the managing and upkeep of the quarry and surrounding area. The quarry operated from 1982 to 2008 when gravel deposits were removed. The reinstated area covers 10 acres and all types of wildlife exists at the ponds and surrounds, including butterflies, snails, frogs, wild birds, cranes, swans, ducks, fish and thousands of sandmartins, as well as cranes. No shooting or fishing is allowed on the site. It was part of the planning conditions for the Carnaross quarry that it be restored after use, and the project has been maturing over the past year, fed by local springs and rainwater. The quarry owners have been very carefuly to ensure that no dirty water from the operating quarry gets near the reinstated quarry. The purity of the water in the ponds is of the hightest quality and is tested regularly by Meath County Council and the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board. The Carnaross project is being cited at environental and construction conferences all over Ireland, England and Europe as a good example of how the reinstatement of quarries should be completed, according to Hubert Harton of Harton's Sand and Gravel.