Vol. 449 No. 4
202 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications his views on the proposal to site a mine at Galmoy in view of unresolved concerns about long term pollution effects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1339/95]
The proposed mine development at Galmoy, County Kilkenny was the subject of a detailed environmental impact statement which accompanied the application for planning permission for the project to the relevant local planning authority. The proposal was rigorously examined and assessed by the local planning authority which, subject to numerous stringent conditions, granted permission for the project. The proposal was examined in detail again by An Bord Pleanála on appeal of the local planning authority's decision. That appeal process included a public oral hearing lasting eight days at which anybody who wished had the opportunity of voicing any concerns in relation to the proposed project. Having considered all of the submissions made to it, An Bord Pleanála decided to grant planning permission for the project subject to stringent conditions.
Those conditions are designed to mitigate any environmental impacts which the project may have. I am satisfied that the permission and conditions which have been issued will ensure that all reasonable measures to mitigate environmental impacts will be taken and that the project will be undertaken in an environmentally acceptable manner, in accordance with Government policy.
