I am one of those who raised objections to the proposal to consider the planning application for mining of metals, including gold, at Curraghinalt without first requiring an independent Environmental impact assessment/Statement (Eia). Can i say that i am very disappointed that the department, as the responsible body, appears to have dismissed the strong case for an Eia and not only that but has pushed forward the granting of planning permission to a Canadian corporation prematurely. i remain strongly of the view that the department's decision on this matter runs contrary to best practice guidelines and is not in keeping with EU procedures. The department's failure to respond seriously to the substantial points raised not only by me but by various consultees on the need for an Eia for this mining operation appears incredible. A mining development of this nature and scale should require an Eia irrespective of its location. That the DoE might recommend planning approval for a development proposal of this nature in the Owenkillew valley with AONB and ASSI designation without subjecting it to the rigour of an objective Eia beggars belief. if Curraghinalt, with its unparalleled fish and salmon spawning and fresh water mussels, were anywhere else within the EU would this be allowed to happen? the DoE has determined to treat this application not as a mine but as an extension to mineral exploration that has been ongoing on the site. i suggest that it is not possible to square this with the scale of the proposed development, the level of capital investment and importantly with the detailed exploration and mapping that has already been carried out over several years. When does a mine become a mine? there is huge urgency for the DoE to clarify what conditions are attached to this planning approval.
there is a fear that environmental protection and policing measures will be diluted. Lack of specific information in the planning proposal on extraction, processing, water management, removal of rock from the site, discharge of effluents and many other items very important for the local community (including - will the mine operate around the clock? How frequently will explosives be used and what are the arrangements for managing this?) have still not been clarified. All these matters need urgent clarification.
Cormac B McAleer
Omagh, Co Tyrone
