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‘Inishowen can’t afford
gold’
29.04.10
Huge crowd at public
meeting in Carrowmenagh
'INISHOWEN can’t afford gold’. That was one of the
key comments made at a meeting in Carrowmenagh
concerning the recent application to the Department
for licences to prospect for gold, diamonds and gem
minerals here.
The stark comment was made during an impassioned
speech delivered by one local man concerned at the
thought of a goldmine becoming a reality of
community life in Inishowen.
More than 80 people, including several local
representatives, attended the public meeting, which
was called in a bid to raise awareness about the
issue of mining here and to encourage people to
write to the Department if they wish to object.
Main speaker on the night, Mike Doherty warned that
people must do their bit to stop any licences being
granted. He said that a recent effort to oppose
licences in South Donegal failed because only
thirteen letters of objection were received by the
Department. This was regarded as insufficient
opposition, even though the letters each contained
many signatures. Mr. Doherty said that the more
individual letters or emails sent in, the better. |
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The meeting started
with a showing of several short films, one showing
how gold was found and is now being mined in Co.
Tyrone, just a few miles outside Omagh Town. Another
film included interviews with landowners and farmers
who have run into difficulties in the land
surrounding Wonderfontein mine in South Africa.
One of the people interviewed, a commercial
vegetable producer, explained how the Government had
stepped in when he tried to clear the sediment which
was blocking his irrigation system. They explained
to him how the sediment contained radioactive
particles displaced during mining.
Gold mining often disturbs heavy metals and other
minerals in the locality. In fact, the mine in Omagh
has, to date, produced 1800 times more lead than
gold!
Councillor Charlie McConalogue, in an address to the
room, again outlined the legalities, emphasising the
many protocols and safeguards in place surrounding
prospecting and mining. He said he felt that he
needed to do more research before he could decide if
mining for gold might be good or bad for Inishowen.
Although this sentiment was supported by a few, the
vast majority of those present were of the opinion
that granting licences for prospecting was only the
beginning of what could become a venture that harms
the local environment. The comment was made several
times that Inishowen should concentrate more on
industries it is suited to, like farming, fishing
and tourism.
Fine Gael councillors, Bernard McGuinness and
‘Black’ Mickey Doherty, both promised to do all in
their power to stop the licences being issued. In
fact, Mr Doherty signed his name on one of the
pre-printed letters of objection, which had been
handed out during the meeting.
The message was clear at the end of the meeting,
write or email your objection to reach the Dept.
before May 6, to: Exploration and Mining Division,
Department of Communications, Energy and Natural
Resources, Beggar's Bush, Haddington Road, Dublin 4.
Tel: 01 6782666 or Fax: 01-6609627. email:
fiona.mcguinness@dcenr.gov.ie .
To download letter, click here
. (Inishowen Independent) |
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