Mannok set to resubmit quarry plans for west Cavan

Mannok says it intends to submit a fresh planning application for permission for a new quarrying operation in west Cavan.

The confirmation comes as the company withdrew a previous set of plans just days before a decision was due on the proposed development near Ballyconnell.

Some locals had objected, expressing concerns over the potential impact on an ancient historical site and local ecology among other issues.

Last week, the local building materials manufacturer formally withdrew its application for a new sand and gravel pit west of the L1045 Killeshandra Road, in the townlands of Clontygrigny and Callaghs, near Ballyconnell. Mannok had submitted an environmental report and a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) along with the plans.

Up to September 13, and despite strong local opposition, the Mannok application remained live having complied with a request for further information on August 29, the day after it was announced that a Turkish company had acquired a 94.7% stake in the company.

County planners were due to publish their decision today (Wednesday), September 18.

The proposed development was an open cast quarry to extract minerals (sand and gravel) over an area of 19.3ha (more than 36 football fields) to a final depth of up to 54 metres (177 ft) for a period of up to 20 years.

Mannok did not provide a reason for withdrawing its application.

A number of public meetings were called and a protest group formed ‘Ballyheady - Say NO to Quarry - Save Nature’ in response to the plans.

Concerned locals expressed worry over how the development might impact biodiversity in the area, with several red-listed species such as the Snipe and Meadow Pipit, Large Heath Butterfly, Dark Tussock Moth and the Irish Damselfly all recorded in neighbouring townlands.

More than 30 submissions were received by the council detailing objections, including from Nuala Madigan of Irish Peatland Conservation Co, local ecologist Heather Bothwell, and Peter Sweetman of Wild Ireland Defence CLG.

An Taisce, and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, also made representations, as is the norm, with other reports were received from bodies north of the border- Northern Ireland Environment, Marine & Fisheries, and Fermanagh, from Omagh DC Enviromental Health, and NI Water.

John McCartin, a non-executive director at Mannok, is the listed owner of the site Mannok intend to quarry, according to planning files submitted by the company.

Paddy Gilroy, a small farmer and member of the West Cavan Bogs Association, expressed his dismay at news that Mannok are readying a fresh application.

He and others who form the ‘Ballyheady - Say NO to Quarry - Save Nature’ group say their relief has been short lived.

“The archaeological and ecological concerns are still going to be the same,” said Mr Gilroy, who remains determined to challenge any future application he feels might threaten the sanctity of the near 5,000 years old Ballyheady Cairn, or about 70 acres of pristine bogland.

“Our main concerns is the very precious raised bogs. This site is surrounded on three sides, quite unique, and the best examples of raised bogs in either Cavan or Monaghan.

“I don’t see how this is ever possible to get planning permission,” he says, arguing that Ireland should have passed the point where economic viability and care for the environment are at odds.

“If it’s going to damage our environment to such an extent as it is, it then becomes questionable. We have full employment in the country as it stands,” continued Mr Gilroy.

“From an environmental point of view we should be looking more at the circular economy - reusing old materials rather than always digging more and more. It’s very disappointing for us as locals if Mannok feel the need to continue to pursue this application.”

Mannok has in the past said that its aim was to continue to support sustainable local jobs and regional economic prosperity and that it was engaging with the planning process to ensure the highest environmental and biodiversity protection standards.

In a statement to the Celt this week, the company said it “remains committed” to this project which, they feel “will support continuing employment” in the local area.

“We are assessing how best to deliver it and expect to submit a new planning application in due course.”