Controversial quarry decision by An Bord Pleanala to be challenged at the High Court
The Ballyshannon Action Group, a community group, is to challenge a recent An Bord Pleanala decision that will see a large quarry open beside 56 homes on a narrow country road, close to a number of farms, stud farms and primary schools at Racefield, Ballyshannon.
Kildare County Council refused planning permission to Kilsaran Concrete for the development on a number of grounds in November 2019, including traffic hazard/public safety on local road network and loss of amenity to the area.
An Bord Pleanala's Inspector also recommended refusal, saying the development would “seriously injure the amenities of properties in the vicinity by reason of traffic, noise, air quality, visual impacts and general disturbance.” Yet the Bord ignored this recommendation and issued a decision on the appeal on June 10th 2021 allowing for the quarry to proceed.
The Ballyshannon Action Group, which was formed by local residents and business owners in response to the quarry plans in 2019, has now launched proceedings at the High Court, seeking a judicial review of the decision.
A spokesperson for the Action Group said:
“We have been forced to take this judicial review of An Bord Pleanala’s appalling decision in order to protect our community, our people, our livelihoods and our homes. However, we firmly believe that this scenario could have been avoided, this is not rocket science- this development, at this location is ... extremely poor planning.”
A number of well known names from the horse racing and breeding industry are supporting the community in its opposition to what is being viewed as an oversaturation of quarrying activity that is risking Kildare's equine business and jobs as well as the health, safety and homes of those living close to these developments.
Broadcaster and keen horse woman Tracy Piggott, is the latest to lend her support to the Action Group's campaign, stating:
"I have lived in this area for 30 years and know first hand how important the equine industry is here. ......
“The equine industry has sustained jobs and families in this county and beyond for generations"
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