Construction waste recycling facility approved at existing quarry

On 12 May 2026 Mayo County Council granted planning permission to Finnegans Sand Limited to set up a construction and demolition waste recycling facility at its quarry near Ballyhaunis in County Mayo. The approved development will occupy roughly 1.6 hectares of the existing quarry site at Corraun, Ballyhaunis, and will make use of the plant and machinery already in place.

The facility is intended to recover and recycle inert materials such as soil and stone from construction and demolition activities. By re‑processing these materials on site, the company aims to reduce the volume of waste that would otherwise be sent to landfill and to provide a local source of recycled aggregates for the construction industry. The use of existing equipment means that the project will not require the acquisition of new machinery, helping to keep the environmental impact of the development to a minimum.

The planning permission is valid for six years, giving Finnegans Sand Limited a window to establish and operate the recycling plant. The decision was made within the same footprint as the existing Waste Facility Permit WFP‑MO‑22‑0064‑01, which is set to expire in January 2028. Upon receiving the planning approval, the company will apply for a separate Waste Facility Permit from Mayo County Council and will submit an End of Waste Declaration to the Environmental Protection Agency. These steps are required to ensure that the facility complies with national waste management regulations and that the waste streams are properly accounted for.

The quarry’s location in Ballyhaunis places the facility in a rural setting that is well‑connected to local construction sites. The proximity of the plant to the source of construction waste is expected to reduce transport distances and associated emissions. In addition, the recycling of inert materials will help to meet the growing demand for sustainable building materials in the region.

Finnegans Sand Limited has indicated that the facility will operate within the existing quarry footprint, meaning that no additional land will be disturbed beyond the 1.6 hectares already in use. The company will also retain the existing temporary prefab structures on site for the duration of the planning permission, ensuring that the site remains functional while the recycling operations are established.

The decision by Mayo County Council follows a review of the application, which included an assessment of the environmental impact, the adequacy of existing infrastructure, and the potential benefits to the local economy. The council noted that the recycling facility would support the county’s waste reduction targets and contribute to the broader national strategy for circular economy practices.

Local residents and stakeholders were given the opportunity to comment on the application. While the council did not report any significant objections, it highlighted that the facility’s operation would be subject to ongoing monitoring to ensure compliance with environmental standards. The council also confirmed that the facility would be required to maintain the existing plant and machinery in good working order and to manage any waste streams in accordance with the Waste Facility Permit and the End of Waste Declaration.

The approval of the recycling facility is part of a wider trend in County Mayo, where several planning applications have been received for projects that aim to repurpose existing sites for new uses. In recent weeks, other applications have included the conversion of a vacant school building into a dwelling house, the development of a new dwelling on the site of an existing ruin, and the demolition and reconstruction of a single‑storey house in Killala. These projects reflect a growing interest in sustainable development and the efficient use of existing land and infrastructure.

Finnegans Sand Limited’s project is expected to create a number of local jobs during the construction and operational phases. The company has not yet released detailed figures on employment, but the council’s decision suggests that the facility will be a significant contributor to the local economy. The recycling of construction waste also aligns with the county’s commitment to reducing landfill use and promoting circular economy principles.

The planning permission will remain in force until the end of the six‑year period, after which Finnegans Sand Limited will need to seek a renewal or a new permit if it wishes to continue operations. The company will also need to ensure that it maintains compliance with any changes in national waste regulations that may occur during that time.

For further details, see the Mayo County Council planning decision (file 2660220) and the localnews.ie article.

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