This article is from page 4 of the 2006-01-17 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 4 JPG
THE Whelan Group this week suffered a major setback when it failed to secure full planning for a multi-million euro extension to its flagship operation on the outskirts of Ennis.
The plan had encountered strong local opposition and last Friday, Clare County Council granted planning permission to retain its quarry operation, but refused permission for much of the planned extension.
The retention area covers 23 acres of land, while the planned extension involves 16 acres. Residents had claimed that the plan would lead to nuisance of dust, noise, air and water pollution within the Fountain area.
Plans were first lodged for the proposal in May 2004 and Managing Director of the Whelan Group, Paddy Whelan criticised the length of time it took for the council to evaluate the application.
“It is nearly two years since we made the application,” he told The Clare People . “It sounds ridiculous, but that it is the way it has happened. It doesn’t say much for the promotion of industry in the county.”
Mr Whelan said that he had not yet gone through the planning conditions attached to the permission. They limit the scope of the planning permission granted by the council, which ruled that the plan would not seriously injure the amenities of the area or of property in the vicinity and would not be prejudicial to public health.
The local authority has granted planning for sections one to five of the application, but refused planning to sections six and seven, apart from one area being sought for planning retention.
The Whelan Group had sought permission to extend the life of the quarry by 26 years and will have an operating capacity of producing 370,000m of limestone product per annum.
However, the grant of permission is for a 10-year period only, unless a further grant is obtained.
The council has also ruled that no works are to commence until planning permission is granted for improvements to the existing access on the main Ennis-Lahinch Road.
The local authority has also imposed a condition that the company supply an annual aerial photo to enable the council assess the development of the quarry.
And it has been requested that the Whelan Group provide €239,000 to the council in planning contributions.