New Kilsaran application means 'more worry' - Action Group
A proposed extension to sand and gravel extraction at Ballysax Hills by Kilsaran Concrete is, according to the Ballyshannon Action Group, proof that the company plans to open more and more quarries in the Kilcullen vicinity, writes Brian Byrne.
A planning application lodged on 7 May with Kildare County Council seeks an extension of 11.4 hectares to the existing permitted working area at the site, bringing the total area to 39.5 hectares.
The application envisages an operational life of eight years, with a further two years to enable restoration of the site to agricultural and nature conservation use.
The company is also seeking permission to continue processing sand and gravel processing at Ballysax Hills, and of the readymix concrete batching plant. This follows a granting of permission in July 2019 of a 6.1 hectares extension to the working area at the site.
This morning, a spokesperson for the Ballyshannon Action group, which is awaiting a much-delayed Bord Pleanala decision on a refused application for a new quarry at Racefield, said the latest move represents 'even more a worry' for the people of Ballysax, Whitehall, and Kilcullen.
She also referenced the nearby Dun Ailinne archaeological site — currently the subject of a survey aimed at having it listed by USESCO as one of the five Royal Sites — saying further development would be 'a terrible shame' ... "especially considering the information we have from experts that there is certainly more there to be discovered."
The action group also notes that a Neolithic village was discovered previously at the Kilsaran site in Corbally, Kilcullen.
Submissions to the latest application must be lodged by 10 June 2021. The planning reference is 21618.
