Chapter 6 Economic Development – coverage of the potential positive contributions of the extractive industry
It is noted that little is said in the Economic Development chapter with respect to the extractive industry. However, a dedicated Mining and Aggregates section is provided in consideration of the industry in chapter 9 Rural Laois. Here it is stated that,
“Council recognises that the aggregate and concrete products industry contribute to the development of the national, regional and local economies by the proper use and management of natural resources for the benefit of the community and the creation of employment opportunities. These products are required as essential building materials in the social and economic development process including the provision of housing and infrastructure.”
It is further stated that,
“Laois County Council will seek to safeguard these valuable resources for future extraction”.
This demonstrates an appreciation of the sectors beneficial economic impact and its significance with respect to construction and development supply chains, as well as the county’s growth objectives. It further demonstrates an acknowledgment that a successful quarry and extractive industry within the county is to the benefit of numerous stakeholders involved in the development of residential buildings, infrastructure, health care facilities, education facilities and all other forms of built development.
In addition it is welcomed that the Draft CDP describes and appreciates aggregate extraction can only take place where suitable aggregate resources exist and that they are a ‘tied’ resource. It is stated that Council considers that planning policies should be carefully constructed in this regard, to avoid adverse effects on aggregate resources and the related extractive industries and added value production that are essential for the built environment, infrastructure, and future economic development. These appropriate measures are very much welcomed by the sector, as it is considered that the Draft CDP has facilitated the provision of adequate aggregate resources to meet the future
growth needs of the county and facilitated the potential exploitation of such resources where there is a proven need for a certain mineral/aggregate.
Nonetheless, it is submitted that appropriate control over the types of development taking place in areas containing proven deposits should be put in place. There is a need to safeguard valuable un- worked deposits from permanent development in order to prevent the unnecessary sterilisation of same. Such measures are considered highly beneficial to facilitating a successful extractive industry in the county, with added economic benefits for the county and further afield.
Moreover, it is considered that extensions to existing permitted quarry operations should be given favourable consideration where the Planning Authority is considering planning applications for same. This should especially be the case where there are proven aggregate resources within established operations and all the necessary quarry infrastructure, haul routes, markets, environmental monitoring measures and licensing, etc., would have already been put in place.
It is considered that these measures would help ensure that environmental, rural, scenic, and residential amenities, are protected, whilst at the same time help ensure the continued viability of the extractive industry and support the county in facilitating population growth projections as mentioned, given the related construction activity requirements that would ensue. It is further considered that these economic considerations should also be emphasised within the Economic Development chapter of the CDP.