Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:101 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to ensure the safe treatment of a mining tailings pond (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [31240/04]
View answerTuesday, 30 November 2004
Questions (73, 74)
Róisín Shortall
Question:126 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has received details from a company (details supplied) regarding its proposals to rehabilitate its 150 acre tailings pond at Gortmore, near Silvermines, County Tipperary; his views on the health risks in the contaminated area; his further views on whether the company’s proposals are sufficient to make the area safe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31274/04]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 126 together.
Most of the issues raised in these questions were dealt with in a reply to a Seanad Adjournment matter last Wednesday and a copy of that response will be forwarded to the Deputy. The 150 acre tailings site is not owned by the mining company.
The issue of health risks is a matter for the relevant health board but it should be pointed out that a report published by an expert group last March on the effect of lead and other metals in the Silvermines area found, in general, that the area is a safe place in which to grow up, live and work provided certain precautions are taken.