Planning application to increase Bellewstown quarry size is withdrawn

Kilsaran Concrete has withdrawn a planning application to substantially increase the size of the company's quarry at Hilltown Little, Bellewstown.

The move has been welcomed by Bellewstown Environmental Protection Group who described it as "a great success for the whole community, who have suffered as a result of over quarrying in the area."

Kilsaran Concrete had applied for permission the continued extraction of an existing rock quarry to a depth of 98mAOD (Aerosol Optical Depth) for a period of 25 years. The quarry will be extracted at a rate of up to 450,000 tonnes per annum

The development will also consist of: the provision of a new 1.7km private link road to serve the quarry and adjoining agricultural land (facilitating an increase in the number of HGV movements from 32 daily load movements to an average 81 daily load movements; the relocation of the existing quarry access/ associated gates, piers and boundary fencing; landscaping; barrier systems; and cut and fill areas associated with the road. The development will also consist of: the continued use of the existing on-site office, shed and car park area.

Meath Co Council has granted permission for the development but it had been appealed to An Bord Pleanála.

An Bord Pleanála issued a notice in the past few days confirming the withdrawal of the application.

“Needless to say, we are not in a position to comment on what, if any, fresh planning initiatives are being considered by Kilsaran for Bellewstown Quarry”, said Richard Martin, chairperson of Bellewstown Environmental Group.

“However it is very important to remember that as a community we are all in this together, for the greater good, no matter what part of our community is most adversely impacted by any future development plans at this quarry.”

The group has pointed out that the plan, which was the subject of some controversy for the past number of years, included the construction of a private road across fields, and the alteration of the existing road and the access to, and major alterations to, the historic Beamond Bridge which dates back to 1800.

“This is the first major campaign undertaken by Bellewstown Environmental Protection Group”

The group had previously expressed concern not only at damaging and visual impacts on the environment, and the increased truck traffic on the roads around rural Bellewstown, but also the dusts generated by the blasts, and the crushing and transportation of materials from the quarry.

Mr Martin said the Bellewstown Environmental Protection Group will continue its work in protecting the area from any adverse developments, or planning breaches, that may impact on the environment or on the lives, health or welfare of its residents.

It welcomes new members, particularly current residents or previous residents of the Bellewstown and wider area, and anyone else with an interest in the local environment and its preservation.

Kilsaran Concrete has been approached for comment.