IRELAND NEEDS 1.5 Bn TONNES OF AGGREGATES TO MEET 2040 TARGETS

The Irish Concrete Federation (ICF) has projected that the State will need to produce approximately 1.5 billion tonnes of aggregates, including crushed rock, sand, and gravel, to meet the demand for housing and infrastructure as outlined in the Government's Project Ireland 2040 plan.

In response to a report assessing future requirements, the ICF has urged the Government to develop a sustainable plan to ensure the future supply of aggregates, emphasizing the need for effective planning, monitoring, and management to support Ireland's infrastructure development in the long term.

The report reveals that aggregate demand in Ireland stands at 12 tonnes per capita, which is double the average of the current EU 28 countries. This high demand is attributed to Ireland's infrastructural deficit, dispersed settlement patterns, and the resulting extensive road network.

The ICF has raised concerns about emerging scarcities of certain aggregates in the eastern and midland regions, citing natural shortages, inadequate forward planning, and deficiencies in the planning process as contributing factors. Gerry Farrell, the ICF's chief executive, emphasizes the necessity of strong political leadership to establish a national aggregates policy that addresses future infrastructure needs and demographic changes across the country.

Farrell asserts that while Ireland possesses ample reserves of high-quality aggregates, it is crucial to plan for their future accessibility and protection. Failure to plan adequately, prioritize aggregates in the planning process, and expedite quarry planning permissions may result in shortages of specific construction aggregates in certain areas of the country.

The ICF looks forward to collaborating with the Government to establish a sustainable framework that supports the identification, protection, and extraction of aggregates in an environmentally conscious and circular economy-driven manner. Local sourcing of aggregates is emphasized to reduce transportation distances and minimize carbon footprint.

To facilitate this, the ICF suggests integrating the aggregates policy into local and regional planning policies and establishing a direct pathway to An Bord Pleanála, the national planning appeals board, to expedite crucial quarry planning applications.

The ICF highlights that the average decision-making period for quarry planning applications is currently 76 weeks, with some decisions taking over two years due to appeals to An Bord Pleanála. There are currently 500 large commercial quarries supplying raw materials to the construction sector.

Additionally, the ICF calls for longer planning authorizations for extractive developments, consistent planning enforcement, and a firm and coherent public procurement policy that ensures the marketplace is supplied only by authorized operations.

Koen Verbruggen, Director of the Geological Survey of Ireland, commended the report, stating that the recognition of raw material potential in the 2019 Climate Action Plan highlights its importance as a key rural employer. He emphasizes the significance of local sources of aggregates in reducing the carbon footprint and facilitating the transition towards a more sustainable society.

Minister of State for Natural Resources, Seán Canney, acknowledges the critical role aggregates will play in the implementation of Project Ireland 2040. The Government commits to working with stakeholders to reform and streamline the planning system to accommodate these requirements.