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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 7 Oct 2003

Vol. 571 No. 4

Written Answers. - Prospecting Licences.

Mary Upton

Ceist:

156 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position in regard to the document served on the former operators of a facility (details supplied) in County Tipperary 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. [22048/03]

The document referred to was sent by the Office of the Chief State Solicitor to the former operator of the mine facility at Silvermines on 10 April 2003. The operator responded in a positive way on 22 April last. The CSSO wrote again to the operator on 5 June seeking details of specific proposals and timescales for undertaking and completion of rehabilitation works. The operator sent a detailed response on 18 June, indicating its willingness to carry out rehabilitation works subject to constraints imposed by finance, access and permit ting. This is being considered in consultation with the CSSO.

As a first step towards meeting its obligations under clause K of its mining lease, the operating company lodged a revised experimental proposal for rehabilitation of Gortmore TMF with North Tipperary County Council in August 2003. I understand that this plan was not accepted by the local authority and it is being reviewed and amended as necessary by the operating company's agent. My Department and the EPA are also involved in assessing the plan.

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