Residents in a farming and residential area of south Galway, close to the ancient monastic settlement of Kilmacduagh, are protesting against a planned quarry. They are particularly concerned that it could damage the area's complex underground water system. This limestone area is susceptible to flooding, and quarrying and blasting could affect local water tables and ultimately, people's water supplies, said local residents' representative Ms Mary Fennessy.
Opponents are also anxious about its potential effect on air quality and about the impact it will have on the value of their homes as well as on the status of Kilmacduagh, built in the 14th century on the site of an earlier monastery, which is a mile and a quarter from the quarry site.
In 1994, permission was granted by Galway County Council for the development of a five-acre quarry in the townland of Ballysheedy and Seeaun near Gort, although the land has not yet been used for that purpose. Ms Fennessy, secretary of the local Seeaun Residents' Group, who returned to the area with her family after several years in England, said many people were unaware of the proposed quarry development when purchasing their property. She and other local people first learned about the quarry earlier this year when they saw a site notice seeking planning permission for a proposed new access route.
Opponents of the quarry have now sought advice from both legal and environmental consultants. Acting for 16 named residents, environmental consultant Mr Robert Saunders of Ergo Environmental, Safety and Ergonomic Consulting Engineers, lodged an objection with Galway County Council in April and said that as a result of this the council is now seeking additional information from the developers. According to Mr Saunders, while the application in 1994 was for five acres, the current application states that the area of site referred to is over 15 acres and that the application also indicates that the developer owns 40 acres.
Developer Mr Frank Higgins was unavailable for comment.