This article is from page 12 of the 2007-05-08 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 12 JPG
PLANS have been lodged with Clare County Council to extend a major quarrying operation in east Clare by 45 acres.
As part of its expansion plans, McGrath (O’Callaghan Mills) Ltd is seeking permission to extend its business for another 30 years with a rock reserve of seven million cubic metres in the planned extension site.
The move to extend the operation Loy eaTeAMa Usd 0 MMO eComereye el orcDeh Van oles Orca NO me)
very strong financial position as the most recent accounts to the Compa- nies Office by McGrath (O’Callaghan Mills) Ltd show that retained profits at the end of March 2006 stood at €5.4 million.
The accounts also show that the company more than doubled its pre- tax profits in 2005-06 going up from €322,000 at the end of March 2005 to €792,000 at the end of March paul ees
There are 30 people employed at the facility and underlining the im-
portance of the operation to the east Clare economy, the accounts show that €721,000 was paid to staff in 2005-06.
The accounts also show that the remuneration to the company’s two directors, Thomas and Joseph Mc- Grath stood at €217,488 for ‘man- agement services’ in 2005-06.
In the Environmental Impact State- ment (EIS) lodged with the planning application, it outlines the need for the extension, stating that there is a market demand for aggregate rock,
that there is a history and an estab- lished industry 1n the area for the ex- traction of rock.
It points out that the existing quarry area of 48 acres is nearly exhausted, while the company was founded in 1952 and has been in the quarrying business since then.
“Since its establishment, the com- pany has maintained a good relation- ship with the local community and the local authority,” the EIS states. “The company has made a contribu- tion to the development of the region
through the supply of construction materials and providing employment in the east Clare area.”
It states that the operation of the quarry will have a minimal addition- al impact on neighbouring activities.
“The quarry is a major employer in the local community as it employs 30 people directly with another 30 people working in ancillary depend- ent services and industries,’ the EIS adds.
A decision is due on the application later this year.