Water Supply

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 September 2021

Tuesday, 28 September 2021

Questions (225)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

225. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department has carried out research on water wells running dry in the Robinstown Shambo, County Meath; if the excavations carried out by a company (details supplied) are impacting on the water source of these wells; if the company has a licence to pump underground water from the mines into the Boyne river; if the company is currently pumping water from the underground mines into the Boyne river; if so, the amount that is being pumped; the person or body that is policing the licence; and if he will ensure that the research capability of the EPA is being used to ensure that excavations by the company are not disturbing the water supply for this area. [46507/21]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

Boliden Tara Mines DAC operates under Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Industrial Emissions Licence Registration No. P0516-04. Details on the control and monitoring of emissions (including emissions to water) from the mine are set out in the Annual Environmental Reports on the EPA website www.epa.ie. The mine is also regulated by Meath County Council under planning legislation and by my Department through a State Mining Facility issued under the Minerals Development Acts 1940 to 1999.

The regulatory authorities are working together to examine whether there is any potential link between the activities of the company at Tara Mines, including in the Gainstown area, and the lowering of the water table around Robinstown–Shambo.