European acclaim for McGrath Quarry Group
McGRATH Quarry Group, based in Cong, Co. Mayo, have won a major European environmental award in recognition of their ‘outstanding dedication to environmental best practice’. The award, which was presented in Munich on 27 May 2010, was sponsored by the Brussels-based European Aggregates Association (UEPG).
In 2008 McGrath Quarry Group won the Irish Concrete Federation’s Quarry of the Year award and, as a result, were entered into the equivalent European awards for sustainable development. A total of 30 entries from 10 countries were assessed by an independent jury of internationally distinguished experts in the fields of biodiversity, conservation, health and safety and mining engineering.
McGrath, who produce a wide range of concrete, stone and road-surfacing products, received the Environmental Best Practice award for a small company in recognition of their outstanding dedication to the environment.
The Group’s quarry in Cong is located on an isthmus between Lough Mask and Lough Corrib in a very sensitive ecosphere. The company, aware of its responsibility for the environment, has addressed environmental issues by constructing a water-treatment plant to ensure groundwater discharges are of the highest quality.
In addition, the company has planted a nursery in which many species of trees are growing and is committed to the protection of all fauna on site by creating protected habitats through the increased depth of buffer zones around the quarry.
Speaking after receiving his award, John Joe McGrath said: ‘This award is the result of many years of continuous commitment to the highest standards of environmental management within the company. I am particularly proud of the fact that the judges have taken account of our efforts to carry out our activities in a responsible manner within a highly sensitive area.’
Gerry Farrell, chief executive of the Irish Concrete Federation, added: ‘This award is an outstanding achievement for the McGrath Quarry Group and shows that the highest standards of environmental practice in Europe can be achieved by Irish companies with the necessary dedication and commitment.’
In 2008 McGrath Quarry Group won the Irish Concrete Federation’s Quarry of the Year award and, as a result, were entered into the equivalent European awards for sustainable development. A total of 30 entries from 10 countries were assessed by an independent jury of internationally distinguished experts in the fields of biodiversity, conservation, health and safety and mining engineering.
McGrath, who produce a wide range of concrete, stone and road-surfacing products, received the Environmental Best Practice award for a small company in recognition of their outstanding dedication to the environment.
The Group’s quarry in Cong is located on an isthmus between Lough Mask and Lough Corrib in a very sensitive ecosphere. The company, aware of its responsibility for the environment, has addressed environmental issues by constructing a water-treatment plant to ensure groundwater discharges are of the highest quality.
In addition, the company has planted a nursery in which many species of trees are growing and is committed to the protection of all fauna on site by creating protected habitats through the increased depth of buffer zones around the quarry.
Speaking after receiving his award, John Joe McGrath said: ‘This award is the result of many years of continuous commitment to the highest standards of environmental management within the company. I am particularly proud of the fact that the judges have taken account of our efforts to carry out our activities in a responsible manner within a highly sensitive area.’
Gerry Farrell, chief executive of the Irish Concrete Federation, added: ‘This award is an outstanding achievement for the McGrath Quarry Group and shows that the highest standards of environmental practice in Europe can be achieved by Irish companies with the necessary dedication and commitment.’
