The Roscommon quarry that was at the centre of a political planning controversy involving the Taoiseach last month is continuing to operate without planning permission. Liam Reid reports.
Roscommon County Council, which has warned the quarry operators at Raharra, Athleague, to stop work at the site, has yet to take legal action to close the quarry. The council issued an enforcement order on October 15th, on the basis that the quarry had no planning permission.
Before Christmas, Mr John Tiernan, Roscommon County Manager, said the council would be initiating legal action against the quarry.
However according to local sources, the quarry has continued to operate and the council has not yet moved to enforce its cessation order.
In a statement to The Irish Times, Mr Tiernan said "legal proceedings continue to be pursued by Roscommon County Council".
"The legal process has commenced through the County Solicitor's Office and I have no further comment at this stage."
In December, the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, became embroiled in controversy over the quarry after it was reported that he had written to the Roscommon planning enforcement officer, Ms Marion O'Grady, to ask her to delay the implementation of the enforcement order.
The Taoiseach's letter said he was making the request because the owner of the land on which the quarry was situated, Mr Brian Murray, was ill.
Mr Murray's brother, Kevin, was a constituent of the Taoiseach's. It transpired the Taoiseach had not personally signed the letter, which was sent from his constituency office.