Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 11 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 2

Written Answers. - Mining Industry.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

109 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his Department has received a response from the former operators of the Silvermines facility in County Tipperary to the document served on the company specifying the remedial work to be carried out at the dried out tailings pond at the mine site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15927/03]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern)

As I said in my reply to Question No. 102 on Silvermines on 15 April last, the document setting out the remedial works required of the company which operated the former mine at Silvermines was issued to the company by the Office of the Chief State Solicitor on 10 April last.

The company sent a positive response to the CSSO on 22 April, and since then my Department has been in contact with the company concerning its proposals for rehabilitation of the mine sites for which the company is responsible under the mining lease dated 22 November 1965. In the meantime, the CSSO has written again to the company on 5 June last asking for submission of its specific rehabilitation proposals, and timescales for undertaking and completion of the works.

I am aware that the mining company has appointed consultants to prepare a rehabilitation plan for Gortmore tailings pond, and finalisation of this plan will be submitted this week. The final plan will be subject to my approval. As permits under the planning and-or waste Acts would also be required for any proposed works, the approval of north Tipperary county council and the EPA will also be required. The public consultation process required for such permits will provide the local community with the opportunity to engage in the approval process.