This article is from page 12 of the 2006-03-14 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 12 JPG
THE controversial mining of a quarry in Moveen, Kilkee is destroying the tourism potential of the area, according to local representatives and some local people.
Controversy surrounds the quarry on the coast road, for which 11 applications of registration have been received by Clare County Council.
Two main contractors – Gerard Whelan and Gerard O’Callaghan – are currently mining the area owned by 11 local farmers and landowners.
Nine of the 10 owners who have registered the land for a quarry claim that they have not given permission to Gerard Callaghan to mine the site.
Mr O’Callaghan from Kilkee has also applied to register as an operator of the quarry.
In his application Mr O’Callaghan states that the total quarry covers two hectares. He estimates that approximately 500 tonnes are extracted every year with a digger between May and October from 9 am to 5 pm.
In his registration form, he says that there are no emissions from the quarry.
Meanwhile four of the quarry members claim that Gerard Whelan is mining without their say so.
Mr Whelan, Furoor, Kilkee, said in his application to register the quarry, that it began operating before 1964. He said that it was operated by Sean Keating since 1962, and was previously operated by farmers.
He recorded an extraction rate of 240,000 tonnes of stone every year through “blasting”. The plant, he stated, operated between 7am and 7pm on weekdays and 7am to 3pm on Saturdays.
In his application, Mr Whelan said the traffic generated by the quarry was not recorded, but he could supply further information if required.
Both Mr Whelan and Mr O’Callaghan would not comment on the issue when contacted by The Clare People .
Kilkee Town Councillor Dr Tom Nolan (Ind) said that the tourism future of Kilkee was in jeopardy while the quarry remained open. He said that the quarrying was unregulated in its present form and called on Clare County Council to impose strict guidelines on any operations there. The Kilkee councillor said he would prefer if the use of the quarry for industrial purposes was curtailed completely and that it was returned to use solely by the local farmers. One local family has objected to the quarrying, expressing concern the proximity to the scenic drives to Loop Head. The objectors also stated that the nearby Kilkee reef is a special area of conservation and the Illaunonearann is a special area of conservation for birds.