Dalradian Gold Ltd is nearing conjoined public inquiries over the next three months for its exploration and mining plans at Greencastle in the Sperrin Mountains, County Tyrone.
DECISIONS
The Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) deferred its hearing, due to start in September 2024, following the Water Appeals Commission’s concerns over applications relating to water abstraction and storage.
The site of the proposed Curraghinalt mine lies west and east of Camcosy Road and to its junction with and southeast of Crockanboy Road.
Dalradian is also seeking consent for associated development works, a processing plant and to abstract and impound water.
A further application on behalf of NIE Networks is for an overhead 33kV power line and underground 33kV cable laid below ground level in ducts.
The PAC will hold the proceedings in consultation with relevant local and national authorities.
In January discussions will look at strategic matters and principle of the development; noise, air quality, lighting, radon, public health, vibration and environmental management framework; water, water ecology and peat.
In February the focus will turn to landscape and visual impact.
Hearings in March will concentrate on the mine waste plan – dry stack facility stability, health and safety, and culture and heritage; socio-economic matters, climate, transport and any other business.
Local governments involved include Fermanagh & Omagh District Council (FODC) Derry City & Strabane District Council (DCSDC).
The chief commissioner has appointed commissioners McParland, McKeary and Donaghey to conduct the inquiries.
Planning inspector Ms B Davies will be an independent assessor to assist the PAC on matters of hydrogeology.
The public inquiries will be held from week beginning 13 January 2025 at the Strule Arts Centre, Omagh.
On conclusion the commissioner will prepare reports and recommendations for relevant departments to consider and make their final decisions.