Decision Delay on Gold Mining in Vicinity of Croagh Patrick, Queried

mayo | environment | press release Tuesday June 24, 2008 17:54 by Cllr Keith Martin - Labour Party

Cllr Keith Martin has asked Labour's Spokesperson on Natural Resources, Liz McManus TD, to investigate the delay in a decision concerning Gold Mining in the vicinity of Croagh Patrick

Cllr Keith Martin has asked Labour's Spokesperson on Natural Resources, Liz McManus TD, to investigate the delay in a decision concerning Gold Mining in the vicinity of Croagh Patrick by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Eamon Ryan TD.

Cllr Martin, who is strongly opposed to any effort to re-open gold mining in the area, says that it is time for the Minister to make his decision on a prospecting licence. The closing date for submissions on the licence expired almost six months ago.

The proposal to mine the area is being opposed by Mayo Environmental Group and Westport Tourism Organisation, while, at the request of Cllr Martin, Westport Town Council has called for the prospective area to be protected from mining.

Cllr Martin says "It is time for Minister Ryan to come out with his decision. Is he going to allow the environs of Croagh Patrick and a Special Area of Conservation to destroyed in the pursuit of gold or is he going to act in the best interest of the people of Mayo, the Mayo Tourism industry and the sensitive environment of Mayo and protect the area from these speculators?"