AN Inishowen
environmental group is urgently appealing to local
people to have their say on the Government's
intention to grant licences for gold prospecting in
the peninsula.
Celebrate Water is objecting to the licences, which
cover gold and mineral mining in townlands across
Inishowen, being granted.
The ear-marked areas stretch from east to west and
include townlands around Redcastle, Muff, Buncrana,
Fahan and Burnfoot.
The group said that by registering an objection now,
would ensure the "right of objection should the
issue ever go to planning appeal". The closing date
is fast approaching - this Monday, February 16.
"Inis Eoghain is without doubt one of the most
beautiful places on earth. It has a network of close
knit yet inclusive communities whose social and
economic well-being are largely built on the four
cornerstones of natural environment; farming;
fishing and natural and anthropological heritage. It
is the view of Celebrate Water that the decision by
the Minister to grant these licenses poses a real
threat to all of these cornerstones and thus to the
well-being of the whole peninsula," said a Celebrate
Water spokesperson.
The group claims that the removal of just 7g of gold
requires the excavation of at least one tonne of
earth; the use of chemical substances and 'obscene'
amounts of water "at a time when communities across
the island are having water meters forced on them in
the name of 'conservation'".
Celebrate Water claimed that the promotion of the
Wild Atlantic Way is also incompatible with the
granting of mining licences. And it urged local
farmers and landowners to be vigilant on the issue.
To find out more visit
Celebrate Water Facebook . |
