Residents of Ballymore Eustace, Co Kildare, are considering a judicial review of the decision to grant permission for the development of a concrete-manufacturing plant.
Residents condemned the decision by An Bord Pleanála. They had objected to the noise, dust and traffic they said would be involved. Concerns had also been expressed for the safety of children attending the nearby Barretstown Gang Camp.
Established to provide a holiday camp for seriously ill children in a clean environment, it is directly downwind on the gravel pit. The development will last for 10 years.
Mr Chris Dennison, of the Association for Ballymore Eustace Controlled Development (ABCD), said: "We feel like second-class citizens in our own community.
"This village has the misfortune to be located in a golden circle of sand and gravel. Corporations such as Readymix are exploiting this situation with no regard for the needs and aspirations of those of us who live there."
An Bord Pleanála granted permission for the Readymix plant but said it must meet 18 conditions, including a demand for an annual environmental audit of the operations by independent consultants.
The developer is instructed to do everything possible to prevent and minimise noise and dust emissions by implementing "effective site management practices and adequate dust control measures". There will be independent monitoring of noise and dust at least every month.
Ms Mairead Mason, of ABCD, said some of the conditions were irrelevant as they were unenforceable. Others would actually cause extra disruption and frustration to Ballymore residents.
"An Board Pleanála have imposed a condition on Readymix that they widen the road at their own expense. But what that means for us is that we will have to endure months of temporary traffic lights and ancillary disturbances.
"Readymix will confer no benefit whatsoever on this community yet they stand to make vast profits from it at our expense." Ms Mason said the developers had been granted permission for work six days a week.
"We don't even get a reprieve on a Saturday. This is a nightmare for local people," she added.
Plans for the plant had been approved by Kildare Co Council last year. However, they were appealed to An Bord Pleanála by 12 third-parties. A public hearing was held in July.