Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 November 2008
556 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the budget and consultant’s brief governing the commissioning of a report on the Avoca river and the old mines (details supplied); and the action taken to ensure that local stakeholder input is being taken into account in decisions regarding the refurbishment or razing of old copper mines on the Avoca river. [39659/08]
View answerThe consultant's brief is to prepare a realistic, cost-effective and achievable integrated management plan for the Avoca Mine Site. The budget for the study is approximately €650,000 ex VAT. Local stakeholder input has been a part of the study and to this end two public meetings have taken place. I understand that the stakeholder views are being considered in drafting the final report, which is to be submitted to the Department in the near future. The consultants, in their report, will make recommendations on the remediation and long term management of the site and all of its elements. I will take account of all stakeholder views in reviewing the report and, following a detailed assessment, I will propose a way forward in relation to the future of the site.
