Galway residents and an environmental watchdog group are to appeal a decision to allow a quarry within the city boundaries to be extended.
In their appeal to An Bord Pleanala against Galway Corporation's decision, the objectors are concerned about dust, blasting, fears of structural damage to houses and the impact of further quarrying on the natural bedrock.
Lackagh Quarries Ltd has been granted permission to extend its quarry at Coolagh/ Ballin dooley (about three miles from the city centre); to continue quarrying on part the site; and to build a wheelwash and improve site security. One of the conditions stipulates that a qualified archaeologist must be employed during clearance works to ensure the protection of any archaeological structures or remains. Dust emissions and hours of operation are also limited.
More than 30 letters of objection were lodged from individuals, the Ballindooley Residents Association, Cairde na Gaillimhe and the Claddagh Mineral Co, which is near the quarry. The Ballindooley/ Ballin foyle Residents Committee lodged a petition of signatures in favour of the development.
The chairman of the Ballin dooley Residents Association, Mr Peter Maye, said ala and he would rather flatten his house after 25 years than stay there if the appeal fails.
Mr Derek Hambleton, chairman of the An Taisce's Galway branch, said it supported the residents' appeal. He said the environmental implication of extending the quarry centred on the potential damage that could be done to the watertable, as Claddagh Minerals sourced their water in the area.