Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2019
2208. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on proposed gold mining in the Sperrin mountain region in Northern Ireland and its possible environmental impacts here; if he will raise the issue with the Northern Ireland authorities; and if he will raise the issue in a discussion with the relevant north-south intergovernmental bodies. [32220/19]
View answerIn accordance with Article 7 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive (Directive 2011/92/EC as amended by Directive 2014/52/EC), where a project is likely to have significant effects on the environment in another Member State, the Member State in whose territory the project is intended to be carried out is obliged to send to the affected Member State as soon as possible, inter alia, a description of the project, together with any available information on its possible transboundary impact.
No notification has been received to date by my Department from the Northern Ireland authorities in regard to any transboundary impacts. In the case where any such impacts are identified and notified, I confirm that my Department and the relevant State authorities under its aegis will engage on the matter as appropriate with the relevant authorities in Northern Ireland.
