This article is from page 39 of the 2006-02-21 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 39 JPG
RESIDENTS opposed to the multimillion 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.
The company lodged plans two years ago for a 40 acres extension that would guarantee the jobs of the 110 people employed at the site. The council granted planning for five of the seven sections of the plan.
In their appeal to An Bord Pleanála, 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.
“Any spillage of diesel from any of the many trucks, or other machinery, would have catastrophic consequences for drinking water. Surely, the precautionary principle as enshrined in EU law is an appropriate measure in this scenario.
“We have been subjected over the past 25 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.
“We submit that the proposed development would result in the consolidation and intensification of unauthorised development on this site and would therefore constitute disorderly development and be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development in the area.
“The proposed development, being within the catchment of Drumcliffe springs, in the area of extreme groundwater vulnerability, would result in an unacceptable risk of groundwater pollution in this vulnerable area and would therefore be prejudicial to public health.”
They also claim that the proposal would give rise to vehicular traffic and pedestrian movements on the N85, which would endanger public safety because of traffic hazard and obstruction of other road users.
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.