Policies – Dempsey Sand & Gravel Ltd

Sustainability Policy Statement

At Dempsey Sand & Gravel Ltd, we believe in doing things the right way—for our customers, our community, and the land we work on. As a family-run business based in Dunlavin, Co. Wicklow, with a quarry in Walterstown, Co. Wicklow, we’ve always taken a practical, down-to-earth approach to sustainability.

Looking After the Land

We work hard to minimise our impact on the environment across both our Dunlavin and Walterstown quarries. That means using responsible extraction methods, reducing dust and noise, and managing water runoff properly. We also keep our supply chain local, which cuts down on transport emissions and keeps operations efficient.

Following the Rules – and Going Beyond

All of our work follows strict planning and environmental guidelines. We’ve worked closely with planners, local councils, and residents to ensure our sites operate safely and respectfully. Both quarries have gone through proper assessments to meet the required environmental standards.

Restoring Sites After Use

landscaping, or stabilising it for future development, we make sure each site is left in a usable and safe condition.

Supporting Local People

We’re proud to support jobs and businesses in the local area. Many of our team members live nearby, and we work with local suppliers and contractors whenever we can. We’ve built strong, long-term relationships with customers in the building, civil, farming, and landscaping industries.

Looking Ahead

We’re always working to improve how we operate. Over the next few years, we’re aiming to:

Reduce emissions by making our equipment and transport more efficient

Continue to improve dust, noise, and water controls at both sites

Restore worked-out land to a high standard

Explore industry certifications to strengthen our environmental practices

Dempsey Sand & Gravel Ltd is committed to supplying high-quality materials in a way that’s responsible, sustainable, and community-focused—now and into the future.

Environmental & Sustainability Statement of Intent

Introduction

Dempsey Sand & Gravel Ltd recognises its responsibility to manage the environmental impact of its operations in a responsible and sustainable manner. Our Environmental & Sustainability Statement of Intent sets out how we aim to maintain high standards of environmental performance, in line with both current legislation and best practice within the industry.

We are committed to identifying and controlling the environmental effects of our work — from material extraction and aggregate processing through to transport and on-site delivery. By implementing the measures outlined in this statement, we aim to ensure that our operations continue to meet all relevant legal requirements and support the wider goal of environmental protection.

This policy applies to all areas of our business and provides assurance to clients, staff, regulators, and members of the public that we take our environmental responsibilities seriously and are committed to continual improvement in our performance.

Commitment and Objectives

Our environmental objectives are focused on understanding and effectively managing the real and potential environmental impacts of our operations. We aim to operate in a way that reduces environmental harm, conserves resources, and supports the principles of sustainable development.

To achieve this, Dempsey Sand & Gravel Ltd is committed to the following:

1. Identifying and Managing Environmental Impacts

Assess all significant environmental aspects arising from our operations, including air quality (dust and emissions), noise and vibration, water use and discharge, land use, and biodiversity.
Take appropriate action to mitigate impacts, whether directly caused by our business or occurring through associated activities such as subcontracted transport or supply chains.

2. Resource Efficiency and Waste Management

Minimise the use of finite natural resources (such as fuel, raw materials, and water) through efficient working practices.
Reduce waste generation by improving site planning and material handling processes.
Promote the reuse and recycling of materials where possible, both internally and through our supply chain.
Ensure all waste is stored, transported, and disposed of in line with current environmental regulations, using registered waste carriers and licensed disposal sites.

Pollution Prevention

Take steps to prevent pollution to land, air, and water from our activities, including proper storage of fuels and chemicals, spill prevention, and control measures on-site.
Maintain and regularly inspect equipment and vehicles to prevent environmental incidents caused by leaks, emissions, or poor maintenance.

Legal Compliance

Comply fully with all applicable environmental laws, regulations, and codes of practice.
Monitor relevant changes in environmental legislation and ensure that policies and procedures are updated accordingly.
Maintain all necessary environmental permits, consents, and licences and adhere to their conditions.

5. Training and Awareness

Provide appropriate training and guidance to all staff, including site operatives, drivers, and management, so they understand the environmental risks associated with their work and how to minimise them.
Ensure employees are competent to carry out their duties in a way that supports our environmental objectives.
Encourage a proactive approach by promoting awareness of environmental responsibilities throughout the company.

6. Supply Chain and Procurement

Communicate our environmental expectations to suppliers, contractors, and subcontractors.
Where practical, select materials and services that minimise environmental harm and support sustainable sourcing.
Work collaboratively with partners to improve environmental standards throughout the supply chain.

7. Continuous Improvement and Monitoring

Monitor and review our environmental performance on a regular basis through internal audits, inspections, and management reviews.
Set achievable environmental objectives and targets and review progress annually.
Investigate all environmental incidents or near misses to identify root causes and prevent recurrence.
Keep records of performance indicators, training, waste management, and compliance matters to support transparency and accountability.

Conclusion

Dempsey Sand & Gravel Ltd is committed to maintaining and improving its environmental performance across all areas of its business. Through strong leadership, clear communication, and practical action, we aim to ensure our operations are carried out with respect for the environment and in line with current and future expectations for sustainability within the construction and aggregate supply sectors.

This statement will be reviewed annually and updated as required to reflect changes in legislation, business operations, or industry standards.