Four unlawful quarries close in Westmeath

Westmeath County Council have closed four illegal quarries in the county as the construction of the Dublin to Galway road has triggered what the council chairman has called a “gold rush”.

It is expected that more closures could follow. The council are stepping up a campaign to preserve areas of scenic beauty and environmental importance.
Angry locals have complained that illegal quarries are destroying an Ice Age esker ridge, with increased traffic giving rise to fears for road safety on narrow roads.
Labour Councillor Mark Nugent stated that the beginning of the road project was “a gold rush”.

He stated that it was about money with lorries flying in every direction, adding that it wasn’t right.
County manager Ann McGuinness said that the construction of the N6 from Kilbeggan to Kinnegad and the N52 eastern bypass of Mullingar had generated additional demand for aggregates.
“This demand has had the effect of increasing the pressure for supply. In response, many quarry owners and operators have intensified their operations, and some new quarries opened to take advantage of this situation,” she said.

At the moment there are 43 quarries operating in the county with four operating illegally. Other quarries are being monitored