Public Consultation Process For South East Clare Land Exploration Extended Following Concerns

Image (c) Clare FM

A Clare Government Senator says exploring lands for minerals should only take place at a ‘minimum level’ and where it’s absolutely necessary.

It follows an application from a private company to the Department of the Environment for licences to potentially extract materials from sites in Bunratty and Tulla.

The public consultation period on the proposal has now been extended for a further two weeks.

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Meath-based company Minco Exploration applied to the Department last month for prospecting licences to look for minerals such as gold and silver in townlands in South East Clare.

Minco say they want to conduct desktop studies, geochemistry and drilling in the area, though they insist it would involve ‘minimal’ levels of disturbance in surrounding communities.

It has, however, prompted concerns from Clare County Councillors which they expressed at last evening’s monthly meeting via an emergency motion.

The official public consultation period for the process has lapsed, though it’s now been extended for a further fortnight following representations to the Department.

Maghera-based Fianna Fail Councillor Pat Hayes says more information on the proposal is needed across the board.

While Minco claims the temporary activities are ‘not likely to have a significant affect’ on the environment, it’s prompted an outpouring of concern from local climate action groups.

Christine O’ Brien, who’s spokesperson for the Keep Tulla Untouched campaign, says such developments may impact on tourism in the area.

Clare’s Green Party Senator meanwhile doesn’t believe the Environment Minister and her party leader will sign off on any project that’s not consistent with green values.

Correspondence seen by Clare FM confirms landowners still have rights to refuse entry to the company even if a licence is granted.

Inagh-based Senator Roisin Garvey says her and leader Eamon Ryan’s number one goal is to protect the environment.

The public consultation period for the application will now continue until January 24th following its extension.