Saint-Gobain Mining Ltd., which is part of parent company Gyproc, has been given permission to mine gypsum at Knocknacran.
Monaghan County Council has placed conditions on the successful application, including one which stipulates the company pay €240,000 "towards expenditure incurred or proposed to be incurred by the Council in the provision of community recreation and amenity public infrastructure and facilities in the area."
Saint Gobain had applied for permission to extract gypsum by open mining methods and the restoration of the existing Knocknacran mine and processing plant.
They also sought permission for the "further development of a community sports complex at Knocknacran" on the same application. They now have permission to open the old Drumgoosat mine near Magheracloone in Co. Monaghan. The company previously mined underground for gypsum.
In 2018, the mine structure collapsed causing extensive damage to the Magheracloone GAA grounds and clubhouse. A sinkhole opened up at the Drumgossatt mine in 2018, and the R179 Carrickmacross to Kingscourt Road was closed as a result. At the time, Gyproc committed to replacing the facilities.
As part of the conditions of their granted planning application, Saint-Gobain also have to pay €100,000 to Monaghan County Council as a "security bond ... to ensure the satisfactory reinstatement of the R179.
