Dublin's High Court has moved to quash planning permission for a large quarry in Co Monaghan in a move that could have major implications for other quarries throughout the State.

Following a judicial review sought by An Taisce, Mr Justice Peter Charleton quashed a decision by An Bord Pleanála to grant permission to John McQuaid for the retention of a quarry at Lemgare, Co Monaghan.

-- Advertisement --

An Taisce originally appealed the decision of Monaghan County Council to allow quarrying on a major scale. This appeal was lost, but following judicial review, Mr Justice Charleton found in favour of the environmental charity.

The issue in the case centred on the legal status of existing quarrying on the site, with An Taisce arguing that any quarrying there had been small-scale before planning legislation required the registration of quarries.

Thus, it claimed, no legal basis had been shown for the "large-scale quarrying" on the site, which also had an area in excess of the five hectare threshold requiring an environmental impact assessment under EU law.

(BMcC/GK)