A DECISION by Cork County Council to grant planning permission to Keohane Readymix to develop a 3.5 hectare quarry at Knockoe outside of Innishannon, has been appealed to An Comisiún Pleanála.

Planning permission had been granted by the local authority in early February despite around 50 observations about the the development which came from numerous groups including Bandon Environmental Group (BEG) and the Cork South West Green Party local group.

The permission for the site which is located near the Bandon River is for an operational period of 15 years with a two-year restoration phase.

Keohane Readymix Ltd is seeking permission for the extraction of sand and gravel over a 3.5 hectare area and the end purpose of the sand and gravel is for concrete production at Dromkeen Pit, less than kilometre away.

In its planning documents, Keohane Readymix Ltd said that if the proposed site was not developed then they would have to ‘source sand and gravel from another site at considerable greater distances from Dromkeen Pit.

Those who lodged objections to Cork County Council expressed concerns about perceived disruption to the planned Bandon-Kinsale Blueway.

They also had concerns from wildlife and biodiversity and the potential increase in traffic on what is a narrow, local road.

Objections to the quarry were also received from Green Spaces for Health group supported by the Cork River Alliance group, Innishannon House Hotel and the director of the Kinsale Outdoor Education Centre.

The granting of planning permission by Cork County Council was appealed by two people with the case expected to be decided by An Coimisiun Pleanála July 6th next.