Plans for new concrete manufacturing plant in Inishowen

Plans have been submitted for a new concrete manufacturing facility in Inishowen.

Donegal County Council received the application for the proposed new quarry to be opened near the village of Gleneely.

An application in the name of James Carey, Baskill, Gleneely, was submitted last month and is due for decision by the middle of February.

Mr Carey is seeking permission to open a quarry to produce crushed stone and manufacture concrete for use, the application says, by local farmers, builders and the community.

The development, on a 2.6 hectare site just off the main Gleneely-Carndonagh road, is described as a ‘loose stone facility’ where stone will be excavated rather than blasted.

The stone will be graded, crushed and piled on site for collection or delivery by lorries.

Permission is also sought for a batching plant to manufacture concrete, featuring two tall silos and conveyor belt fed by five 30 ton hoppers that will supply the different aggregates.

A mobile stone breaker and weighbridge will also be installed on the site, while an existing house is to be converted into a reception area and general office, as well as providing a canteen and toilet facilities for staff and the public.

Two existing sheds will be used to store equipment and cleaning chemicals, with a wheel wash located at the site entrance.

Located in the townland of Baskill, the proposed quarry site is close to the North Inishowen Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Magheradrumman Bog SAC.

A detailed Natura Impact Statement commissioned by Mr Carey found that the quarry would have "no likely or significant impact" on the SACs if an extensive series of mitigating measures are implemented both during construction and once it becomes operational.

The Natura Impact Statement (NIS) warns that potential impacts on the habitats of protected species in the SACs could arise through pollution from surface water run-off during site preparation and construction, or during the operation of the quarry.

The NIS recommends mitigation measures including a silt fence along the quarry boundary and ensuring all runoff is directed to a storage container.

Normal exterior lighting must be at a low level so as not to disturb wintering wildfowl which may nest near the quarry.

Donegal County Council is due to make a decision on the application by 14 February.