HomeMy WebLinkAbout2660077 - F.I. Received Doc. - Site Restoration Plan
Site Restoration Plan
RETENTION OF A 0.5 HA AREA SUBJECT TO ROCK
EXTRACTION AT CARRICKANORAN, CO. MONAGHAN
CLIENT NAME: MONAGHAN QUARRIES
REFERENCE: 93.01
JUNE 2026 RECEIVED: 09/07/2026
Client: Monaghan Quarries Ref. No.: 93.01
Project: Retention of a 0.5 ha area subject to rock extraction at Carrickanoran, Co. Monaghan
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Contents
1. Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 3
Scheme Background ...................................................................................................................................... 3
Condition 6 Compliance ................................................................................................................................ 3
Guidance ....................................................................................................................................................... 3
Legislation ..................................................................................................................................................... 4
Planning Policy .............................................................................................................................................. 4
2. Existing Environment ........................................................................................................... 4
Habitats ......................................................................................................................................................... 5
Species .......................................................................................................................................................... 5
3. Proposed Site Restoration Plan ............................................................................................. 5
Regrading and Boundary Treatments ........................................................................................................... 6
Final Safety Inspection .................................................................................................................................. 6
Natural Habitat Establishment ...................................................................................................................... 6
Restoration Materials ................................................................................................................................... 6
Timescale for Implementation ...................................................................................................................... 6
Environmental Benefits ................................................................................................................................. 7
Aftercare ....................................................................................................................................................... 7
4. Conclusion ........................................................................................................................... 7
RECEIVED: 09/07/2026
Client: Monaghan Quarries Ref. No.: 93.01
Project: Retention of a 0.5 ha area subject to rock extraction at Carrickanoran, Co. Monaghan
Page 3
1. Introduction
Scheme Background
1.1. This Site Restoration Plan has been prepared in response to the Further Information request
issued by Monaghan County Council in respect of Planning Ref. 26/60077, which relates to the
retention of a 0.5 ha quarry extraction area beyond the boundary approved under Plan File Ref.
No. P.633/73 at Carrickanoran, Co. Monaghan. The plan has been prepared having regard to the
wider quarry site originally approved under Planning Ref. P.633/73 and the restoration
requirements set out under Condition 6 of Quarry Registration Ref. Q/2005/3001.
1.2. The application relates to the retention of quarrying development comprising approximately 0.5
ha of rock extraction within an established quarry. The overall quarry site includes the existing
wheelwash, weighbridge, portacabin office/canteen, storage shed, internal access roads, rock
extraction operations, mobile crushing and screening plant, stockpiles, settlement lagoon and
water discharge point.
1.3. Following cessation of quarrying and pumping, water levels within the quarry void are expected
to recover to approximately 120 mOD. The restoration approach provides for the quarry void to
be left in a safe and stable condition, with an overflow channel to the Mullamurphy_010 stream,
together with retention of existing boundary vegetation and areas of natural recolonisation
where shown on the FI Drawing 1 - Site Restoration Plan.
1.4. This plan sets out the restoration and aftercare framework for the established quarry site, having
regard to the existing quarry layout, final site safety, boundary treatment, natural habitat
establishment and aftercare requirements.
1.5. FI Drawing 1 - Site Restoration Plan is included with this Site Restoration Plan as part of the
Further Information submission.
Condition 6 Compliance
1.6. This Site Restoration Plan addresses the restoration matters identified under Condition 6 of
Quarry Registration Ref. Q/2005/3001, including the removal of redundant plant, machinery,
scrap metal, stockpiles and waste material; the identification of areas to be restored; the
treatment of quarry faces; landscaping, natural recolonisation and habitat establishment
measures following cessation of quarrying and associated operations.
Guidance
1.7. The restoration plan has been developed with reference to the following documents:
• GCCA Sustainability Guidelines for Quarry Rehabilitation and Biodiversity Management
(2020).
• Environmental Management in the Extractive Industry (Non-Scheduled Minerals) (2006).
• Quarries and Ancillary Activities Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2004).
• HSA - Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Quarries) Regulations (2008).
• The Management of Noxious Weeds and Non-Native Invasive Plant Species on National Roads
(NRA, 2020).
• National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Irish Concrete Federation (ICF). (2010).
Wildlife, Habitats and the Extractive Industry: Guidelines for the Protection of Biodiversity
within the Extractive Industry. Notice Nature Campaign. Available at:
https://www.noticenature.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Notice-Nature-quarry-
brochure-web_1.pdf RECEIVED: 09/07/2026
Client: Monaghan Quarries Ref. No.: 93.01
Project: Retention of a 0.5 ha area subject to rock extraction at Carrickanoran, Co. Monaghan
Page 4
Legislation
1.8. This Site Restoration Plan specifies measures to ensure that works remain legally compliant:
• Wildlife Act 1976.
• Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 and 2023.
• Flora (Protection) Order 2022.
• European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, as amended.
• Planning and Development Acts 2000 to 2024.
• EU Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC.
Planning Policy
1.9. National planning policy is set out in the National Planning Framework - Project Ireland 2040
(First Revision, April 2025) and the National Development Plan Review 2025. The National
Planning Framework recognises the importance of extractive industries in supplying aggregates
and construction materials, while requiring that extraction is compatible with the protection of
the environment and provides for appropriate site rehabilitation, including opportunities for
enhancement or restoration of nature.
1.10. At regional level, planning policy is set out in the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES)
for the Northern and Western Region 2020-2032, which supports sustainable regional
development, environmental protection, biodiversity, climate resilience and the sustainable
management of natural resources.
1.11. At local level, the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025-2031 requires extractive industry
proposals to include details of likely environmental effects, mitigation measures, and restoration
and aftercare proposals. Policy EIP 1 states that proposals for extractive industry shall comply
with Section 15.18 of the Development Plan.
1.12. The Development Plan also includes relevant provisions relating to biodiversity, green
infrastructure, trees, hedgerows, woodlands, invasive species, landscaping and boundary
treatment. These provisions support the proposed restoration approach, including retention of
existing boundary vegetation where practicable, protection of water quality, avoidance of
invasive species, and natural recolonisation/habitat establishment within the restored quarry
site.
1.13. The proposed restoration approach has regard to the above policy framework and to landscape
and biodiversity considerations, including the integration of the restored quarry site into the
surrounding rural landscape where practicable, having regard to existing topography, quarry
faces, boundary vegetation and screening features.
2. Existing Environment
2.1 The application site is located in the townland of Carrickanoran, Co. Monaghan, approximately
3.5 km southeast of Monaghan Town. The overall quarry site is an established quarry served by
a private concrete paved access road from the L1500 local road. The surrounding landscape is
predominantly rural and agricultural in character, with dispersed farmsteads, one-off dwellings,
hedgerows and treelines.
2.2 The site does not lie within or adjacent to any statutory or non-statutory ecological designation.
The nearest designated site is Wright's Wood pNHA, located approximately 4.3 km from the site. RECEIVED: 09/07/2026
Client: Monaghan Quarries Ref. No.: 93.01
Project: Retention of a 0.5 ha area subject to rock extraction at Carrickanoran, Co. Monaghan
Page 5
The nearest European site is Slieve Beagh SPA, located approximately 13.8 km from the site. The
Mullamurphy_010 stream flows along the north-western boundary of the overall quarry site.
Habitats
2.3 The application relates to a 0.5 ha area of quarry extraction within an established quarry. The AA
Screening Report identifies the red line area as active quarry habitat (ED4). The rim of the quarry
is identified as WL1 hedgerow, primarily comprising gorse and common hawthorn.
2.4 The habitats within the retention area are associated with the existing quarry environment and
are of low ecological value.
2.5 The habitat baseline should be read in conjunction with the AA Screening Report submitted with
the planning application.
Species
2.6 No protected, rare or notable species were recorded within the retention area during the site
walkover. The AA Screening Report also states that no invasive plant species listed on Schedule
3 of the Birds and Habitats Regulations 2011 were recorded on or adjacent to the application
site.
2.7 For all species baseline information, including flora and fauna and protected/notable species
records, refer to the AA Screening Report submitted with the planning application.
3. Proposed Site Restoration Plan
3.1 The restoration plan provides for the restoration and aftercare of the overall quarry site,
including the 0.5 ha retention area, following cessation of quarrying and associated operations.
The restoration layout is shown on FI Drawing 1 - Site Restoration Plan and includes water
rebound within the quarry void to approximately 120 mOD, an overflow channel to the
Mullamurphy_010 stream, existing vegetation to be retained, a natural revegetation area, a
proposed shallow marginal habitat area, and quarry faces to be left for natural recolonisation
where safe and stable.
3.2 The objectives of the restoration plan are to:
• restore the quarry site to a safe and stable final condition;
• integrate the restored quarry site with the surrounding rural landscape insofar as
practicable;
• provide an overflow channel from the quarry void to the Mullamurphy_010 stream;
• retain existing boundary vegetation, hedgerows and boundary treatments where
practicable;
• ensure public safety through the maintenance of fencing, gates and signage where required;
and
• facilitate natural recolonisation of restored areas by locally occurring vegetation where
practicable.
3.3 Restoration works will include the removal of all redundant structures/buildings, plant,
machinery, vehicles, equipment, scrap metal, stockpiles, waste material and other operational
materials when no longer required. Materials and equipment will be reused, removed off-site,
sold for reuse, recycled or disposed of through authorised waste contractors, as appropriate.
Restoration works will also include retention of boundary vegetation where practicable,
maintenance of site security measures where required, provision of the overflow channel, and
establishment of the natural recolonisation areas shown on FI Drawing 1 - Site Restoration Plan. RECEIVED: 09/07/2026
Client: Monaghan Quarries Ref. No.: 93.01
Project: Retention of a 0.5 ha area subject to rock extraction at Carrickanoran, Co. Monaghan
Page 6
Regrading and Boundary Treatments
3.4 On completion of quarrying and restoration works, redundant structures/buildings, plant,
machinery, vehicles, stockpiles and other operational materials associated with quarry
operations will be removed from the site, as appropriate. Quarry faces will be left in a safe and
stable condition. Boundary treatments will comprise the retention and maintenance of existing
boundary vegetation, hedgerows, fencing, gates and signage where required in the interests of
site safety and the proper restoration of the site.
3.5 Quarry faces, benches, ledges and quarry margins will be allowed to naturally recolonise over
time. Any loose or unstable material shall be made safe as part of final restoration works.
Final Safety Inspection
3.6 Prior to completion of final restoration works, quarry faces, benches, ledges, boundary fencing,
gates and warning signage shall be inspected by a competent person. Any loose or unstable
material, gaps in fencing or deficiencies in signage shall be made safe or repaired as required
before the restoration works are considered complete.
3.7 Existing boundary vegetation shown on FI Drawing 1 - Site Restoration Plan shall be retained
where practicable. Boundary fencing, gates and warning signage shall be retained or maintained
where required in the interests of public safety and site security.
Natural Habitat Establishment
3.8 The proposed restoration programme is shown on FI Drawing 1 - Site Restoration Plan.
3.9 Following cessation of pumping, water levels within the quarry void are expected to recover to
approximately 120 mOD. An overflow channel shall be provided from the quarry void to the
Mullamurphy_010 stream (refer to FI Drawing 1 - Site Restoration Plan).
3.10 The final overflow channel shall be formed at an appropriate invert level having regard to the
expected rebound water level. Any overflow arrangement shall be designed to avoid erosion and
shall incorporate suitable erosion protection measures where required.
3.11 The overflow channel and outfall shall be inspected periodically during the aftercare period and
following heavy rainfall events. Any erosion, blockage or damage identified during inspection
shall be repaired as required to maintain the intended overflow route.
3.12 The proposed shallow marginal habitat area shown on FI Drawing 1 - Site Restoration Plan shall
be provided along the former access ramp / shallow quarry margin where practicable. Available
stone and site-won overburden material may be used in this area to create varied shallow and
marginal conditions and to support natural habitat development.
Restoration Materials
3.13 Restoration works shall use site-won overburden, stone and other suitable site-derived material
where available and appropriate. No imported waste or soil material shall be used in the
restoration works unless separately authorised or agreed with the Planning Authority.
3.14 The area identified for natural revegetation on FI Drawing 1 - Site Restoration Plan shall be left
to recolonise naturally with locally occurring vegetation. No invasive species shall be used in any
restoration planting or habitat establishment works, and any invasive species identified during
restoration or aftercare shall be managed appropriately.
Timescale for Implementation
3.15 Restoration works shall be implemented following cessation of quarrying and associated
operations at the site. Final restoration works shall be completed as soon as practicable
thereafter, subject to safe access, weather conditions and any agreement required with the
Planning Authority. RECEIVED: 09/07/2026
Client: Monaghan Quarries Ref. No.: 93.01
Project: Retention of a 0.5 ha area subject to rock extraction at Carrickanoran, Co. Monaghan
Page 7
3.16 The restoration scheme shall be implemented in accordance with the agreed restoration plan.
Environmental Benefits
3.17 The restoration proposals will provide for the quarry site to be left in a safe and stable condition,
with water-level rebound to approximately 120 mOD, an overflow channel to the
Mullamurphy_010 stream, retention of existing boundary vegetation and the establishment of
natural recolonisation areas where practicable.
3.18 The restoration proposals will support natural recolonisation of the quarry site and will assist in
integrating the site into the surrounding landscape.
Aftercare
3.19 Following completion of restoration works, periodic aftercare inspections shall be undertaken as
appropriate to monitor the condition of quarry faces, fencing, signage, vegetation establishment
and any overflow arrangements.
4. Conclusion
4.1 This Site Restoration Plan provides a framework for the restoration and aftercare of the
established quarry site at Carrickanoran, Co. Monaghan, following cessation of quarrying and
associated operations.
4.2 The restoration scheme is consistent with FI Drawing 1 - Site Restoration Plan and provides for a
safe and stable quarry void, water rebound to c. 120 mOD, a defined overflow route to the
Mullamurphy_010 stream, retention of existing vegetation, natural revegetation, shallow
marginal habitat creation and natural recolonisation of the quarry.
4.3 On completion, the site will be restored to a safe and stable final condition that integrates, insofar
as practicable, with the surrounding rural landscape. The measures set out in this plan provide
for restoration in a manner consistent with the proper planning and sustainable development of
the area.
RECEIVED: 09/07/2026
Client: Monaghan Quarries Ref. No.: 93.01
Project: Retention of a 0.5 ha area subject to rock extraction at Carrickanoran, Co. Monaghan
Page 8
FI DRAWING 1
RECEIVED: 09/07/2026
PROPOSED RESTORATION PLAN
The restoration plan focuses on the safe restoration of the
established quarry site, incorporating water management, retained
vegetation, natural recolonisation and habitat creation. The
objectives of the restoration plan include:
restoration of the quarry site to a safe and stable final
condition;
retention of existing boundary vegetation, hedgerows,
fencing, gates and signage where required in the interests of
site safety and security;
formation of a water body within the quarry void following
cessation of pumping, with water levels expected to recover
to approximately 120 mOD;
provision of an overflow channel from the quarry void to the
Mullamurphy_010 stream;
creation of a shallow marginal habitat area, where
practicable, using available stone and site-won overburden
material to support natural habitat development as water
levels recover;
natural recolonisation of quarry faces, benches, ledges,
quarry margins and the identified natural revegetation area by
locally occurring vegetation; and
removal of redundant plant, machinery, equipment, stockpiles
and operational materials from the site on cessation of
quarrying operations, as appropriate.
NATURAL RECOLONISATION
The quarry area, excluding the area expected to form the quarry
water body, will be left to naturally recolonise where safe and stable.
This will allow locally occurring grasses, herbaceous species, scrub
and other native vegetation to establish over time, contributing to
local biodiversity and the integration of the restored quarry into the
surrounding landscape.
Site-won overburden material will be used where available and
appropriate to support natural recolonisation and habitat
establishment.
WATER MANAGEMENT
Following cessation of pumping, water levels within the quarry void
are expected to recover to approximately 120 mOD. An overflow
channel will be provided from the quarry void to the
Mullamurphy_010 stream. The channel shall be formed at an
appropriate invert level and shall include rock lining, erosion
protection and an erosion-protected outfall where required.
MEASURES TO ENSURE PUBLIC SAFETY
Prior to final restoration, redundant plant, machinery, equipment,
stockpiles and operational materials will be removed from the site,
as appropriate.
Existing fencing, gates and warning signage will be retained and
maintained where required. Any gaps in fencing or signage identified
prior to, or during, restoration works will be repaired or
supplemented as necessary to prevent unauthorised access and
ensure public safety.RECEIVED: 09/07/2026