Black raises locals' Hill of Allen fears

There is “a great deal of concern” being expressed in the local community about the future of the quarry on the Hill of Allen.That is according to councillor Pat Black, who was speaking at Monday’s Kildare County Council meeting.The lack of public input in the deal between Kildare County Council and Roadstone over the future of the quarry on the Hill of Allen was queried earlier this month at the Kildare electoral area committee meeting.That meeting was told that Roadstone had challenged, through the courts, Kildare County Council’s entitlement to insist that they get planning permission for the quarry.

However, a deal was struck between the Council and Roadstone, the details of which are expected to be released in the coming weeks.The issue raised its head at the full Council meeting again on Monday.“I am not sure whether we are losing the PR battle, or whether this is a PR battle,” said Cllr. Black.“But I have heard expressed a great deal of concern. Is it possible to be up front about what is going on?”Cllr. Black said he had heard it from members of the public that they were concerned at discussions between the local authority and Roadstone.He said he would like it cleared up with nothing added to the rumours.Kildare County Council official John Lahart said that he would not comment on the specific planning application involved because it was going through the planning process.However, he said that any planning application would be looked at under the law and current standing planning regulations.The Hill of Allen Action group sent a letter to councillors this week highlighting their concerns regarding the plans for the area.

Fianna Fail councillor Paul Kelly said that his party locally wanted to know the state of play in the planning process.

David Lynch
Leinster Leader