This article is from page 12 of the 2007-12-25 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 12 JPG
CONCERNS have been expressed that plans for a new quarry near Ruan will disturb the tranquil environment of patients of a proposed new day- care centre for cancer patients.
A number of locals have expressed opposition to Irish Asphalt’s plan to extract 300,000 tonnes of rock from the quarry site at Ardkearney, Ruan.
In one objection, the EYPO Part- nership of Clonroad, Ennis, points out, “The proximity of the quarry,
with all its associated nuisances, would not provide a tranquil environ- ment for the wellbeing of the patients in the facility.”
It adds, ““We contend that the loss of amenity that will be experienced by all homes in the area far outweighs the granting of the expansion of the CL br Nema
The partnership contends that, “The extraction of 300,000 tonnes of rock from the locality will have damaging effects to agricultural lands to the wider area with noise and vibration
upsetting both to wildlife and farm ZONBOOL-DESE
“If the application is granted, it will significantly lower the value of their investment as there will be ongoing noise and dust pollution, vibrations from blasting, with increased heavy goods vehicle traffic on roads in close proximity.
“The location of this quarry is not suited to the proposed location. This proposed quarry, outside the area that has already been worked, should not be granted due to its location in the
open countryside without the benefit of appropriate zoning.”
In his objection, Philip Comber of Ardkearney, Ruan, claims, “This area 1S a quiet residential part of Clare and there are quite a number of houses within the immediate area of this proposed quarry.
“Tt is my belief that if the proposed quarry was to get permission to go ahead, it would have a significant impact on the quality of life of the residents in the area.”
In their objection, Hugh and Mary
Rice said, “The noise from the crushing and blasting from quarry- ing activities which have taken place to date is unbearable, especially when the prevailing wind is from the south-west and that on regular oc- casions dust covers the windows of their property, trees and plants.”
The Rices’ submission points out that they are “extremely concerned regarding the devaluing of their property as a result of this quarry- ing being allowed to continue and to significantly intensify”.