Approval granted for open cast mine in Co Monaghan

An Bord Pleanála has granted planning approval to Gyproc, Ireland’s only domestic manufacturer of plaster and plasterboard products, for a quarry in Co Monaghan.

The company has welcomed the decision to grant permission in respect of its plans for a new open-cast gypsum quarry at Magheracloone near the county border with Cavan.

Gyproc has said it marks “an important milestone in securing the long-term supply of gypsum, a critical raw material for Ireland’s construction sector, while supporting the continuity of local operations and employment” in the area.

Protests were previously staged by local residents to raise concerns about the plans by Gyproc to expand its operations in Magheracloone after the area was affected by a sinkhole in 2018.

The development will include the creation of a new open cast quarry, construction of a tunnel beneath the R179 main road connecting Kingscourt in Co Cavan and Carrickmacross in Co Monaghan and the refurbishment of the company’s existing processing plant.

The works will also include improvements to the quarry’s entrance and surrounding infrastructure.

Construction on the new project will begin with the tunnel works, followed by landscaping and site development.

Gyproc has said mining activity is expected to begin around one year after the start of construction and the tendering of this work and detailed scheduling will begin now.

The approval by An Bord Pleanála follows a three-year planning process, which the company has said has been “shaped by ongoing engagement with local residents, community organisations, and elected representatives.”

Gyproc has been involved in some of the biggest commercial building projects on the island of Ireland, including The National Convention Centre, the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Terminal Two at Dublin Airport and Titanic Belfast.

The company, which has operated in the area between Kingscourt and Carrickmacross for nearly 90 years, is part of the global Saint-Gobain group of building materials firms.

Managing Director of Saint-Gobain Kieran Holohan has said the company’s investment in the new open cast quarry reflects its long-term commitment to Ireland.

He said: “We welcome this planning approval as an important step forward for our operations in Monaghan and the wider Irish construction sector. It reflects the outcome of an extensive planning process and continued engagement with the local community.

“This development represents the continuation of existing mining activity in the area, carried out under strict environmental and regulatory oversight.

“All elements of the development have been carefully assessed to ensure compliance with statutory standards relating to water, air, vibration, and noise. These will be closely monitored by Gyproc and subject to ongoing oversight by the relevant authorities.

“We’re grateful for the feedback we’ve received to date and look forward to maintaining this rapport as the development progresses,” Mr Holohan added.