Agricultural development

Project scope

development which will consist of the following: • Continue the use of a quarry over an area of 4.939 ha to a maximum depth and reduced floor level of 80.000m. Excavation of sand and gravel will take place over an area of 4.71 Ha; • It is proposed to continue extraction activities in the authorized existing quarry as already granted by An Bord Pleanála (Ref no. 25.SU.0002), void above the water table, and to laterally extend the existing quarry void to the north/northwest; • The proposed duration of excavation is 10 years, to reflect anticipated extraction of remaining reserves and depending on market conditions and a further 3 years for restoration; • Inclusion of all site screening and landscaping works including end of operation restoration to agricultural use; • The development will consist of removal of approximately 400,000m3 of sand and gravel from the site via the public road. The excavated material will comprise sand and gravel which will be extracted by mechanical means. The extracted sand and gravel material will be transported to an onsite central plant area for washing, grading and processing as per NSAI certification; • The infill and restoration of the existing end of life quarry excavated areas with approximately 250,000m3 of clean inert soil and stone (375,000 tonnes assuming a density of 1.5) to restore the lands to agricultural uses as required under the conditions of the Substitute Consent granted in 2013 and not undertaken by the previous operator. The infill would be completed under an Article 27 of the European Communities (Waste Directive) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No 126 of 2011) or under a local authority waste facility permit under the Waste Management Act 1996-2008; •Installation of a new site entrance, access track and lockable gates; •Installation of a wheel wash, and temporary portaloo toilets (self-contained) and hard standing quarantine area with a cubic meter skip; • Reuse of existing weighbridge onsite, use of entrance, internal access, existing buildings and facilities; and • All other associated site works and ancillary activities, including site management, security fencing, internal surface water management, and road management including approaching passing bays