Permission for Cahir quarry refused

Planning permission for a quarry near Cahir which was strongly opposed by residents has been turned down by Tipperary South County Council.

Opponents had claimed the Readymix quarry at Knockane, between the Galtee and Knockmealdown mountains, would devastate a scenic area, threaten tourism and damage local residents' quality of life.

Readymix said the planned facility was small relative to other quarries and would be operated to the highest environmental standards.

The council, however, refused permission last week on a number of grounds including traffic safety. It also cited the fact that the development was on one of the preferred routes for the proposed Dublin-Cork dual carriageway, to be built as part of the National Development Plan.

About 200 people attended a public meeting last month at which a group was set up to campaign against the proposed quarry. It is thought likely Readymix will appeal the decision to An Bord Pleanla. This could not be confirmed yesterday.

Opponents of the quarry said it would be within a "listed view" of the county development plan. A number of local councillors supported their campaign.

The company pointed out that planning permission had been granted for a similar facility on the site in 1991 to another developer, but this had lapsed.

Contact number

Readers who wish to contact Chris Dooley can leave messages by dialling 016707711, extension 6298; e-mail address: cdooley@irish-times.ie