Explosions mark the end of a quarry dispute
THOUSANDS of tonnes of limestone rock lifted into the air and tumbled to the floor of Roosky quarry yesterday as a string of explosives detonated.
The planned blast had been delayed by Deane Public Works for eight weeks after nearby residents protested. The explosives were set and primed but could not be set off until the company could be sure that people would keep their distance.
Following the lengthy dispute, George Deane (pictured) successfully sought a High Court injunction preventing residents from entering the safety zone, which extended 100 metres in all directions from the seat of the blast.
Mr. Deane said the rock from the quarry would only be used for the activities of Deane Public Works.
“We’re not here to annoy any people,” he said. “We’re here for the company to employ people and we need the stone for all our larger jobs. I am here if they want to ring me to talk to me.”
Mr. Deane said Fermanagh District Council Chief Executive Rodney Connor had indicated he was willing to act as intermediary between the residents and the company.
“It wasn’t my choice to take them to the High Court, but I had no alternative only to do so. Everything I’ve done so far, I’ve done it right and kept within the law,” Mr. Deane explained.