Minutes:
Prospecting Licence
Cllr Frank Dolan informed members that the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications intends to issue a Prospecting Licence for gold and silver in relation to a number of townlands in North Leitrim. Cllr Dolan expressed his strong opposition to the proposal due to environmental concerns and the potential impact on the visual landscape. Cllr Dolan stated that objections to the proposal must be submitted by 7th November 2021.
Cllr Mary Bohan stated that she had attended a public meeting on the matter, with a large number of attendees from the local area. Cllr Bohan stated people must be made aware of this proposal and that template objection letters are available. Cllr Bohan thanked Leitrim County Council for its support in relation to the prevention of fracking within County Leitrim and expressed her desire that similar support would be forthcoming in this matter.
Cllr Felim Gurn outlined his opposition to the proposed Licence, due to its negative impact on the Leitrim Tourism industry and damaging effect it would have on the environment.
Cllr Sean McDermott outlined his opposition to the proposed Licence as there would be no benefit for local people and the detrimental effects “holding ponds” could have on the environment.
Cllr Padraig Fallon informed members that he sought clarification from Planning Section, Leitrim County Council as to their role in relation to the granting of the Prospecting Licence. Cllr Fallon stated that he was informed that Planning Section, Leitrim County Council played no role in the granting of the Prospecting License.
Cllr Justin Warnock outlined his opposition to the proposal, and that restrictions on mining should be placed within the County Development Plan. Cllr Warnock stated that we have a responsibility to preserve the natural landscape for future generations.
On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Frank Dolan
SECONDED by Cllr Mary Bohan
It was AGREED to submit a joint motion to the plenary Council meeting outlining members opposition to the proposed Prospecting Licence, and to send a letter on behalf of the members of Manorhamilton MD calling on the Minister for the Environment Eamonn Ryan TD not to proceed with the notice of Intention to grant a prospecting licence persuant to section 7(1) of the Minerals directive act 1940 in the following townlands in the Dromahaire Barony:
Townlands in Drumahaire Barony: Brackary Beg, Brackary More, Carrickleitrim, Cartrongibbagh, Cornastauk, Curraghfore, Curraghfore, Faughary, Gortnaskeagh, Killenna Glebe, Kinnara Glebe, Pollboy, Skreeny, Skreeny, Skreeny Little, Srabrick, Tawnyfeacle,
Townlands in Rosclogher Barony: Amorset, Ballyglass, Barracashlaun, Barrackpark, Cartronatemple, Castletown, Clooneen, Cornaneane, Deerpark, Drumdillure, Drummans (E.D. Glenade), Drumnacross, Fivepoundland, Gortinar, Killymeehin, Kilroosk, Largantemple, Lisnabrack, Milltown, Mountainthird, Mullanyduffy, Mullies, Nure, Poundhill, Shancurragh, Shancurragh Barr of, Shanvaus, Tawnymoyle, Tullynasharragh, Twigspark.
Members asked that Sligo-Leitrim TDs be copied in the letter to the minister and a request be made for their support in the opposition to the granting of the Prospecting Licence.
Housing Estates
Cllr Felim Gurn outlined an issue with trees in housing estates, as recently a 100-year-old tree had fallen in Gleann Dara Estate. Cllr Gurn requested that a survey be carried out to identify any other trees that could pose a potential danger.
Mr. Sean Rynn, Area Engineer, informed members that the trees in question had been surveyed and had been identified for removal. He advised that there had been difficulties in securing the landowner’s permission to remove the tree, and a decision was made to proceed with the removal of the tree without the landowner’s permission however the tree fell before the contractor was engaged to remove it.