Project 8 - Infrastructure

Minera Quarry Trust

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Project 8—Infrastructure

AIMS

1. To ensure that adequate infrastructure exists for the projects in the scheme.

2. To minimise, or when possible eliminate any adverse impacts of the scheme to local residents.

BACKGROUND

The entire scheme will depend upon the successful creation of an infrastructure to support it. The building of an interpretation centre to act as a focal point will be a key aspect of this and will also provide services such as a café and toilet facilities for visitors. It is anticipated that the construction of the centre will use local materials and contractors were possible. An increase in visitors is anticipated to the site, and in fact is necessary, for the scheme to be self-financing. If this is to occur it is essential that access routes and car parking are addressed from the very start of the project in order to minimise the impact to local residents. A comprehensive study will be required to investigate any possible routes to the site and the impact that they may have. There is adequate space at a number of locations within the quarry to provide car parking for visitors.

THEMES TO DEVELOP

1. Creation of interpretation and educational centre to fully complement the natural and man-made environment of the site.

2. Provision of access to the site minimising possible impact to local residents.

3. Creation of new footpaths within the quarry and enhancement of existing public rights of way.

4. Safety of visitors to the site.

MEANS

1. Transport study to assess modes of access to the site, this will involve an assessment of private and public methods.

2. Assessment of likely visitor numbers.

3. Provision of services for anticipated visitors.

4. Construction of adequate car parking.

5. Sympathetic fencing to ensure safety of visitors without distracting from the “wild” nature of the site.

MQT/PR8/Draft1/20.2.06

1. Example of ‘sympathetic development’ of interpretation centre using local materials (Ailwee Cave, Ireland)