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Our Campaigns

The Kilsaran Quarry

Bellewstown Environmental Protection Group (BEPG) was originally formed to oppose Kilsaran’s latest planning application.

Kilsaran’s plan is to triple the output of its quarry on the Mullagh Road, and construct a  new private highway across the north side of Bellewstown Hill.

The plan would result in thousands of HGVs going to and from the quarry every month across Bellewstown Hill, and then along the Hilltown Great Road/Beaumont Road (L1615) and over the historic monument and protected structure, Beamond Bridge

So far:

  • Bellewstown EPG has submitted an objection to Kilsaran’s Planning Application
  • Meath County Council has approved the application
  • Bellewstown EPG has engaged an experienced, qualified planning expert to submit an appeal to An Bord Pleanála and requested an oral hearing
  • An Bord Pleanála has stated that it has refused the request for an oral hearing and has stated that a decision is due sometime in November 2023

The New Planning and Development Bill

We are launching a campaign for the new planning legislation, currently being considered by the Oireachtas, to include legislation to tackle the issue of quarries, like the one in Bellewstown. If the registration process required under section 261 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 had been properly written, and rigorously applied, the Kilsaran Quarry in Bellewstown – and many, many more in the country – would have been closed down.

Unfortunately, the Bellewstown quarry is not alone and RTÉ identified over 150 illegal quarries operating in Ireland in an investigation it undertook in 2019, and it broadcast a documentary on the subject which is still available on the RTÉ Player.

We are asking people to send an email to their local TDs, the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, and Senators. If you are not living in the Bellewstown area, maybe you have an illegal quarry near you, or maybe you think that illegal quarrying should be stopped, anyway. If so, please enter your local TDs’ email addresses and edit the email as you see fit. If you would like to join the campaign, please click on the link.

Other Matters of Concern

We have made representations to Meath County Council on other environmental matters  such as developments without apparent planning permission.

If you are concerned about any development close to you, please let us know.