This article is from page 9 of the 2006-02-14 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 9 JPG
RESIDENTS opposed to the multi-million euro extension of the Whelan Group’s flagship operation have called for an oral hearing to be held into the contentious proposal.
Last month, in spite of location opposition, Clare County Council gave the green light to the Whelan Group to extend its quarry at Fountain outside Ennis.
In their appeal to An Bord Pleanala, local residents, Michael Halpin, David Copley and John Hehir have requested that an oral hearing be held, “taking into consideration the many issues of public importance raised in this case, the EU dimension and the large number of submissions made.
“There are many issues not least the location of the development in Drumcliffe Springs catchment, an area of extreme vulnerability, and recent public concern about the quality of water in Ennis and environs with the recent ‘boil notices’ issued.
“We have been subjected over the past twenty-five years, to a deterioration in our quality of life as a result of serious vibrations from blasting, noise and dust and as the quarrying moves nearer to our dwellings and into yet another townland the proposals for the future look bleak indeed, should the appeal fail.
The company now has an opportunity to respond the residents’ claims and a decision is expected on the appeal in the summer of this year.