Move to allay fears over east Mayo water due to mining plan

Fresh assurances have been sought from Environment Minister Eamon Ryan over the potential negative impact on water quality in east Mayo as a result of planned mining operations.

Dublin-based TD Bríd Smith asked the minister to explain the rationale for granting ten prospecting licences to an Australian mining corporation in in view of the threat to the environment.

The prospecting licences were granted last March to Oriel Selection Trust Ltd., a junior exploration company which been active in Ireland for over 16 years and uses a local SME to manage and operate their Irish prospecting licences.

Minister Ryan said all exploration activities must be undertaken in such a manner as to avoid damage to the environment and amenities of the licensed area and to avoid or minimize disturbance of residents.

"The licensee is obliged to follow my department’s guidance for good environmental practice, including on the protection of water bodies in mineral exploration as part of its prospecting licence conditions.

"All exploration activities are the subject of environmental screening by the Geoscience Regulation Office in my department, to ensure that they will not give rise to any significant adverse effects on the environment," he added.

The decision to grant the licences is being challenged by the local community.