Quarry plan appealed by Cloughaneely Angling Association

Major concerns have been raised by Cloughaneely Angling Association against a proposal to open a quarry at a site in Falcarragh.

Cloughaneely Angling Association (CAA) have lodged an objection to An Bord Pleanála after Donegal County Council granted permission to Moyle Plant Limited in relation to an application for the quarry at Derryreel.

The company sought permission for the extraction of rock and gravel through mechanical excavation for a period of 20 years; construction of on-site settlement ponds and on-site wheel wash; and all associated site development works.

In a lengthy submission to An Bord Pleanála, the Cloughaneely Angling Association has highlighted a series of potential issues.

“The Owenwee river is one of most significant tributaries of the Ray river and, because of its proximity to the estuary of the Ray at Drumnatinny beach, has been a valuable spawning habitat for sea trout with potential to contribute significantly to local sea trout populations,” the group say.

“However, due to regular and ongoing pollution and siltation from the quarrying works at Fanmore, the Owenwee is failing to fulfill this potential.

“The current application for the opening of a new quarry in the Owenwee catchment is, therefore, of major concern to Cloughaneely Angling Association.

“The huge investment of time, money and expertise by both state agencies and voluntary bodies as detailed above will be further put at risk if this development goes ahead."

CAA say that no mitigations have been proposed in relation to possible oil spillages with an oil lorry estimated to service plant on site once a week.

They note that no performance characteristics are provided in relation to retention times, turbidity of final effluent, nature and location of outfall to stream, hydromorphological impacts or mitigation.

CAA have voiced concerns over access roads and have called for a Water Status Impact Assessment (WSIA).

They said: “The cumulative impact of existing quarrying and associated discharges has not been adequately assessed, particularly in the context of the history of pollution incidents by quarrying activities at this site.

“Biological survey of existing ponds and streams is required to assess the presence of annexed species or habitats.

“In summary there is insufficient detail in relation to the proposed development, its precise footprint and access routes. No consideration of hydrology is provided in relation to proposed extractions and hydromorphological impacts of discharges.

“Existing barriers are severely impacting connectivity with upstream habitat and Derryreel Lough for salmonids. There is no operational environmental management plan. There is no monitoring programme proposed. There is no consideration of the risk posed by use of fuels and oils on site.”

The Cloughaneely Angling Association was established in the late 1940.

The stated aims of the founders were to maintain and stock the Ray and Tullaghobegley rivers, to improve access for anglers and to combat poaching.

Since its foundation the Association has worked closely with a range of statutory bodies, in particular the Northern Regional Fisheries Board, now Inland Fisheries Ireland, to achieve its aims.

In 2009 CAA signed a formal agreement with Inland Fisheries Ireland for the joint management of the Ray and Tullaghobegley rivers. Since then both CAA and IF have worked to restore and improve the riverine habitat within the two catchments.

The planning authority say that a decision is due to be made by February 2, 2024.