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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2560415 - F.I. Received Doc. - FI Response letter25/170 TE 06th March 2026 Planning Section Monaghan County Council Planning Offices 1 Dublin Street Monaghan H18 X982 Ireland Re: Planning Application Ref. 25/60415 – Further Information Response Binmore, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan Dear Sir/Madam, We refer to your request for Further Information dated 04/12/2025 in relation to Planning Application Ref. 25/60415, Please find below our detailed response. 1. Noise and Potential Disturbance 1(a) Confirmation of Mitigation Measures & Revised Layout Plan We confirm that all mitigation measures recommended in the submitted Noise Impact Assessment have now been fully incorporated into the revised site design. The following measures are included: • Installation of temporary acoustic barriers/fencing along the site boundary adjacent to roadside residential properties. • Maintenance of existing hedgerows and supplementary planting to enhance acoustic screening. • Strategic positioning of soil stockpiles to provide additional temporary noise attenuation. • Use of modern plant and machinery fitted with appropriate silencers and maintained in accordance with manufacturer specifications. • Avoidance of tonal reversing alarms; broadband “white noise” reversing alarms will be used where required. A revised site layout plan accompanies this submission and clearly identifies: • The location and specification of acoustic barriers. • Buffer distances to adjacent dwellings. • Operational zones and haul routes within the site. 1(b) Continuous Noise Monitoring & Exceedance Protocol A Noise Monitoring and Management Plan (NMMP) will be implemented during the operational phase, incorporating the following: Noise Monitoring Measures: • Installation of a continuous noise monitoring station positioned at the site boundary closest to sensitive receptors. • Monitoring of daytime noise levels (LAeq, LAmax) during operational hours. • Monthly review of monitoring data by the appointed environmental consultant. • Maintenance of a site noise logbook. RECEIVED: 29/03/2026 Trigger Levels: Noise limits will not exceed those recommended in the Noise Impact Assessment and/or any limits imposed by the Planning Authority. Exceedance Response Procedure: If monitored noise levels exceed agreed thresholds: 1. Immediate investigation by the Site Manager. 2. Identification of the specific plant or activity causing exceedance. 3. Temporary cessation or modification of the activity if required. 4. Implementation of corrective measures (e.g., repositioning plant, additional screening, reduced simultaneous operations). 5. Notification to the Planning Authority if exceedances persist. Corrective actions will be documented and retained on-site for inspection. 1(c) Community Liaison Plan A Community Liaison Plan (CLP) will be implemented to ensure proactive engagement with nearby residents. Key Measures: • Appointment of a Community Liaison Officer (CLO) as the primary contact. • Distribution of an information leaflet to adjacent residents prior to commencement of works outlining: o Nature and duration of works. o Working hours. o Traffic arrangements. o Contact details for queries or complaints. • Establishment of a dedicated contact number and email address. • Maintenance of a complaints register with documented responses. • Commitment to acknowledge complaints within 24 hours and provide a response within 3 working days. • Provision for periodic updates if works extend beyond anticipated timelines. The objective of this plan is to ensure transparency, responsiveness, and minimal disruption to neighbouring properties. 2. Agricultural Justification The proposed development is intended to improve the agricultural productivity and management of the subject lands. The existing field contains undulating and uneven ground which limits its efficient agricultural use. The proposed re-contouring and controlled infilling of soil and subsoil material will provide a more uniform and manageable land profile, allowing improved drainage, more efficient machinery access, and enhanced grassland productivity. The works therefore represent an agricultural improvement project consistent with Sections 15.13 and 15.32 of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025–2031. RECEIVED: 29/03/2026 3. Environmental Protection and Waste Authorisation a) Clarification of Authorisation The proposed development will utilise Article 27 By-Product declaration for the importation of suitable soil and stone material. b) Drainage Mapping and Buffer Zones Surface water drainage features on-site and within the surrounding lands have been identified and mapped on the revised site layout drawings. Appropriate buffer zones have been incorporated into the design to ensure protection of surface water features and drainage channels. c) Environmental Assessment An environmental assessment has been undertaken by Traynor Environmental Ltd to evaluate the potential impacts of the proposed infilling works on groundwater, surface water and air quality. The assessment identifies potential pathways to groundwater and surface water and proposes appropriate mitigation measures to ensure the protection of local water resources d) Wheel Wash and Waste Quarantine Area The revised site layout drawing identifies the location of the wheel wash facility (where applicable) to prevent the tracking of material onto public roads. A designated waste quarantine area is also identified to allow for the temporary segregation and inspection of any unsuitable materials. e) Revised Tonnage and Topographical Modelling A revised estimate of the total tonnage of material proposed for importation has been prepared, taking account of the buffer zones incorporated into the design. The revised calculations are supported by updated topographical modelling. f) Agricultural Improvement Plan An Agricultural Improvement Plan has been prepared demonstrating that the proposed development will result in improved agricultural land quality while ensuring no net loss to biodiversity or water quality following completion of the works. 4. Traffic Management Plan A detailed Traffic Management Plan has been prepared and submitted with this Further Information response. The plan outlines: • Proposed Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) routing to and from the site • Traffic management procedures during operational hours • Signage and safety measures • Measures to minimise disruption to local road users The Traffic Management Plan ensures that the development can operate safely while minimising impacts on the local road network. 5. Working Hours The proposed operational working hours for the development are as follows: Monday – Friday: 08.00-18.00 Saturday: 08.00-14.00 Sunday & Public Holidays: No operations These hours are intended to minimise disturbance to nearby residential properties. RECEIVED: 29/03/2026 Conclusion We trust that the information submitted addresses the matters raised by the Planning Authority and provides sufficient clarification to allow the application to proceed to determination. Should any further clarification be required, we would be happy to assist. Yours sincerely, Nevin Traynor BSc Env, HDIP IT, Cert SHWW, IAH For Traynor Environmental Ltd RECEIVED: 29/03/2026