East Mayo prospecting licence concerns
By Caoimhín Rowland
CONCERN has been raised by a Fianna Fáil minister over the granting of a prospecting licence for minerals in east Mayo.
An Australian company - Oriel Selection Trust Limited - is allowed to search for base metals, gold, silver and platinum. The company has been active in Ireland for almost 20 years.
The granting of the licence has ignited concerns among locals in a large area, including Charlestown, Kilkelly, Aghamore and Kilmovee.
On a visit to Ballina, Environment Minister Eamon Ryan shed light on the licence.
“We look at each licence application. It doesn't mean there's going to be mining; it just means you have certain rights to test and boreholes. It's purely a prospective licence,” he explained.
He also highlighted the significance of rare earth metals for new energy and transport systems, asserting that Ireland should not exclude itself from the search for these minerals.
He reiterated that the granting of a prospecting licence does not guarantee mining activities in east Mayo: “No one knows if there's going to be mining or not in east Mayo. It's only prospecting at this point.”
The minister also emphasised that the licence was granted subject to proper legal review and legislation.
However, local Minister Dara Calleary expressed concern.
“We need to step back and see how to involve communities in these decisions,” stated Minister Calleary.
He emphasised the importance of protecting the environment and nature, drawing on past debates in the county.
He acknowledged the demand for minerals but stressed the need for community engagement and consultation.
“I'd be very concerned about it. We see the damage mining can cause,” he said.
However, he also highlighted the necessity of examining the details surrounding the prospecting licence before reaching any conclusions.
Remarking on communication, he stated: “All of these things, prospecting, wind farms, offshore, on shore, they cannot be landed on top of people in the manner some of them are. People are waking up to see planning notices affecting their area. It’s the first they hear of it.
“We need to see how to involve communities in it.”