asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if tenders were sought for the contract for the erection of fencing at Avoca mines, County Wicklow; if the tenders were advertised; and the name of the company appointed.
385.
Written Answers. - Avoca (Wicklow) Mines.
384.
asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if he is aware of the danger to the health of people in the Avoca area, County Wicklow which is posed by mounds of materials containing lead, iron and copper from the mines, particularly as dust from the mounds is blown over a wide area during the summer months; and the measures he proposes to take on the matter.
386.
asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if he is aware of the dangers to people in the Avoca area, County Wicklow which is posed by isolated tunnels and pits there; and the measures he proposes to take on the matter.
387.
asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if he is satisfied that the terms of the planning permission given in respect of Avoca mines, County Wicklow, had been complied with in relation to the restoration of the area when mining ceases.
388.
asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if he is aware of plans by the receiver of Avoca Mines, County Wicklow, to erect an eight foot high fence topped by barbed wire to surround the mine; that local people consider this to be inadequate as the high concentration of acid in the soil is likely to corrode the wire; and that similar fencing erected since 1973 has disintegrated twice; and if he is satisfied that the measures now proposed will be adequate to protect the public from the dangers of shafts and pits which have been left open.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 384 to 388, inclusive, together.
In relation to a contract concluded for fencing off of potentially hazardous areas at Avoca Mines, the position is that the receiver recently awarded the contract to a local concern, following consideration of seven tenders submitted. The fencing work, which will commence shortly, will be carried out in accordance with standards recommended by the Industrial Inspectorate (Mines and Quarries), Department of Labour. Periodic monitoring of all abandoned mine sites is carried out by the Inspectorate and, should any deterioration in the condition of the fencing occur in the course of time, arrangements can be made to have it restored to the required standard.
The work of filling and sealing certain shafts and other openings, identified as requiring such attention by the inspectorate — who carried out a detailed inspection of the area — is currently in progress in accordance with the specifications of the Inspectorate.
The general restoration of the mine area, apart from fencing and sealing of hazardous openings, is being considered by the receiver in co-operation with Wicklow County Council and my Department. Due regard will be had to the relevant stipulations in the planning permissions given to Avoca Mines Limited. Particular attention is being given by the receiver to the tailings pond area and I understand that he hopes to be in a position within the next few months to settle the nature and extent of measures necessary to deal with this area.
I am satisfied as to the adequacy of the measures being taken to put the mine in order and to guard against any hazard to health or safety.