Vol. 482 No. 3
74 Ms McManus asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the submission, if any, he has received on the environmental rehabilitation of the derelict mines at East Avoca from the Neighbourhood of Whitebridge Group, County Wicklow; and, if so, his response to the proposal. [17684/97]
The situation of the disused copper mines at Avoca is highly complex. The submission made by the Neighbourhood of Whitebridge (NOW) Group is very helpful and highlights various concerns including drainage problems and site rehabilitation.
My Department has met the NOW Group on a number of occasions and has arranged for various safety related works to be carried out in the area which have addressed some of their concerns. However, my responsibilities under the Minerals Development Acts 1940 to 1955 in relation to disused mines are mainly concerned with the making safe (i. e. the fencing in and covering over) of old and abandoned mine shafts and openings where State minerals had been worked. There is, therefore, a limit to the amount and type of works that I can undertake. I understand that other extensive physical works have been undertaken in the area by Wicklow County Council in some cases with the assistance of FÁS. I understand also that the residents themselves have carried out some works. Problems associated with drainage from the mine lands are matters which are being kept under continuous review and my Department will continue to liaise with Wicklow County Council and FÁS to assist where it can, and with various local representative groups.
