A company that’s hoping to restart quarrying operations in Sligo says its plans would help meet demand for high-quality product for the large number of construction projects in the pipeline for Sligo town and the region.
Lagan Materials Ltd says its proposed operations at Aghamore, near Carraroe and Lough Gill, would be at the same production level as previously permitted at the site.
The company made its comments in response to a query from Ocean FM News after a local councillor raised concerns about a planning application that has been submitted.
Lagan Materials Ltd is part of Breedon Group plc, a leading construction materials group operating in Ireland and Britain, employing some 3,600 people.
Lagan has submitted a planning application for restarting operations at an existing quarry at Aghamore Near, Aghamore Far and Carrownamaddoo.
The planning permission, which being sought for a 10 year term, includes proposed deepening of the existing quarry.
Lagan says that as well as meeting demand for product, its plans will also help secure existing jobs in the area, as well as creating a substantial number of new jobs.
However, Sligo Fine Gael Councillor Thomas Walsh says local people are concerned.
Lagan Materials Ltd has owned the existing quarry site at Aghamore since 2014, following the decision of the previous operator to exit the Irish market.
In its statement to Ocean FM News, the company points out that aggregate extraction and related activities have been an established land use at Aghamore since the 1950’s.
Lagan says the restart of operations at this established quarry addresses important sustainability objectives rather than seeking to develop a greenfield quarry at some other location within the county where there is no previous extractive industry land use.
The company insists it takes regulatory compliance very seriously and ensure all sites are operated to the highest standard, and in accordance with all statutory requirements.
It also says it has engaged extensively with Sligo County Council in the pre-application phase to address any issues identified.
The company points out that proposed operations will be at the same production level as previously permitted at the site and will be undertaken within the existing established site, with no new activities or processes proposed.
The application is accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment Report and a Natura
Impact Statement which, Lagan says, were prepared independently and demonstrate that
proposed operations will not result in any significant environmental impacts.
The company also says likes to work with local communities and fully appreciates that local residents may have concerns.
It adds that, in this regard, it has been in contact with a local public representative with a view to arranging a meeting to discuss such concerns.
