Slieve Bloom Association voices opposition to proposed quarry in beauty spot

THE members of the Slieve Bloom Association have expressed their unanimous opposition to the proposed sand and gravel quarry in Glendine.
During their AGM held in Rosenallis Community Centre last week the members said that while they are not opposed to a quarry per se they are against it being located in such an important, such a beautiful spot.
The meeting was told that the quarry will cover 12 hectares and will extract 800,000 tonnes of gravel and sand. It will be located in the townlands of Mounthall and Cummer in the heart of the beautiful valley of Glendine East adjacent to the road running up to Ard Erin and not far from the Fanning Pass. The quarry will be right beside a Special Protection Area.
One member of the Association told the meeting that it will be in a very important tourism area and shouldn't be allowed for that reason alone.
Another member said the company making the planning application to Laois County Council is Breedon Ireland and she was sceptical of Breedon's claim that it will replace 51,000 tonnes of topsoil after the quarrying work has been done.
Another member said if planning permission is granted then the quarry will “destroy the peace of that area.”
The meeting decided to write a letter to Laois County Council.