Council seeks further info on plans to extend operational life of County Roscommon quarry

Roscommon County Council is seeking further information on a planning application to extend the operational life of a quarry in the county.

The council has asked the company for more information on dust emissions, noise and other aspects of the development.

The applicant has six months to respond to the council’s request, with the possibility of a further three months if agreed by the local authority.

Roadstone Limited is seeking permission from Roscommon County Council to extend its use of the Cam Quarry, at Curry & Cloonacaltry, Brideswell, for a further period of 25 years. A 20-year planning grant had previously been approved and this is due to expire on October 3rd  this year.

A decision on the application to extend the operational life of the quarry was due today, Friday.

Serious concern has been expressed by a number of local people over the planning application, with 11 submissions and observations received by the council.

Requesting further information the council said it “is not satisfied that a sufficient assessment of the potential adverse impact of the proposed development arising from dust emissions has been provided based on submissions received”. It also asked the applicant to provide “details of appropriate noise mitigation measures to reduce noise impacts in the event that excessive noise exposure levels are recorded”.

In the submissions, one resident said their health was being impacted by the quarry, claiming the “level of pollution from dust and increased fumes from the high traffic volume daily using this quarry has become unbearable”.  Another submission alleged “excessive noise and disturbance” as well as damage to the local environment.

Another resident’s submission alleged that quarry trucks regularly leave the site with loads uncovered or inadequately covered. This results in dust and particulate matter getting onto the public road network. 

“On January 13th, 2026, for example, 10 laden trucks passed our house in a 12-minute period, between 11:00 and 12:00. On dry days, quarry trucks are typically surrounded by visible clouds of dust for significant distances from the site.” 

In its observation, the Heritage Council said it believes that the application again demonstrates “an unfavourable relationship” between grassland habitat and quarrying, saying this is “something that should be avoided in the future”.

The  South Roscommon Wind Turbine Action Group also voiced its opposition to the development and recommended it be refused.

According to an environmental impact assessment report, submitted by the company, it will undertake bi-annual compliance noise surveys to establish operational noise emissions arising at the site and demonstrate compliance with noise emission thresholds.  

 It also said that mitigation measures, such as sprinkler systems to suppress dust and a wheel wash operation to prevent the deposition of dust on roads, will be adopted.