Donegal Jobs Boost 'Set In Stone'

A major supplier of naturally quarried Donegal stone, McMonagle Stone, has recently acquired a new production site to further expand the availability of Silver Grey Quartzite to the local market and into Northern Ireland.

"In the locality of south Donegal this acquisition secures five jobs and in the future it is estimated that a further seven jobs will be created," explained Sharon Hearty from the innovative business.

She said that the former quarry, operated by Morrow Stone, is now under the ownership of McMonagle Stone who are to restore full quarrying production of this major natural resource.

Located in Ardara, Co Donegal, this site allows McMonagle Stone to offer a secure supply of this very popular and unique Donegal stone.

Silver Grey Quartz Stone will be quarried and processed for multiple applications by McMonagle Stone at their quarry and base in Mountcharles for distribution into the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom and into a growing European market.

Commenting on the move, Michael McMonagle said: "This acquisition adds significant capacity to our market presence and is a great complement to our other quarries in the North West of Ireland.

"We recognise the value that Silver Grey Quartzite can add to the market and we are responding to the demand of natural stone customers both nationally and internationally," he said.

McMonagle Stone now has the ability to provide a greater variety of natural stone products in Silver Grey Quartzite from building, walling and paving stone to tiles and steps.

Additional new products will be added as the quarry reaches full production.

The acquisition of this site demonstrates McMonagle Stone's commitment to the region as a production base for the supply of a unique coloured, natural stone product for the domestic and commercial markets.

(GK)