Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 221: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the guidelines pertaining to quarries carrying out blastings; and if he will provide a copy of the guidelines and regulations regarding this issue. [4798/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department's guidelines for planning authorities on quarries and ancillary activities, published in April 2004, are available on our website at www.environ.ie. I should point out, however, that the guidelines are not intended to deal with health and safety issues associated with blasting, such as flyrock, as these are the responsibility of the Health and Safety Authority. The guidelines state, however, that it is vital that quarry owners and operators comply with health and safety codes and with any recommendations for safety made by Health and Safety Authority inspectors. The Health and Safety Act 1989, and the related regulations on quarry operations, are designed to protect those working in quarries, those visiting quarries, and members of the public in the immediate vicinity of quarries, who could be endangered by the operation of quarries.