We the undersigned members of Leitrim County Council call on the Minister for the Environment, Eamon Ryan TD not to proceed with the Notice of Intention to grant a prospecting Licence pursuant to section (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.
Minutes:
To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Frank Dolan, Councillor Mary Bohan, Councillor Padraig Fallon, Cllr Sean McDermott, Councillor Justin Warnock and Councillor Felim Gurn;
"We the undersigned members of Leitrim County Council call on the Minister for the Environment, Eamon Ryan TD not to proceed with the Notice of Intention to grant a prospecting Licence pursuant to section (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.
Signed:
Cllr Frank Dolan
Cllr Mary Bohan
Cllr Padraig Fallon
Cllr Sean Mc Dermott
Cllrs Justin Warnock
Cllr Felim Gurn"
Councillor Mary Bohan outlined that this issue was discussed at the Manorhamilton Municipal District meeting recently and it was fully supported by all 6 members, who all felt so strongly about the issue that they decided to forgo individual motions in favour of a joint motion at the Council meeting. Councillor Mary Bohan paid tribute to the Treasure Leitrim group for their work in this regard.
Councillor Mary Bohan expressed concerns regarding the environmental and visual impact this proposal will have on the townlands in the Dromahaire Barony. She stated it was frustrating to have to fight this new threat to the area following 6 years of campaigning against fracking. She outlined the view that the proposed mining license and subsequent prospecting activity will generate no benefit to the local communities. This is one of the most scenic areas of Leitrim which has been promoted for tourism, with walks, trails and greenways being developed and Mining could not be accepted as it would destroy the area. Councillor Mary Bohan expressed her concerns with the wording of the licence, which indicated that it would be non-invasive and have minimal environmental impact. Councillor Mary Bohan proposed that this motion also be sent to the Taoiseach and the Oireachtas Members.
Councillor Padraig Fallon outlined his view that there is little doubt that this will not have any benefit for this community, county or country. Cllr Fallon said it is ironic that the Minister and Department of the Environment are saying this will have minimal impact to the environment when it should be ensuring that there is no negative impact on the environment.
Councillor Warnock said it must be acknowledged that people in Leitrim have the right to object to this type of development. Councillor Warnock said he has promoted developing a National Park in Leitrim and if this mining licence is granted there will be no National Park.
Councillor Felim Gurn outlined the closing date for submissions on this proposal is the 7th November. He stated that Members are trying to promote North Leitrim as a tourism destination and people who wish to return to the area and build family homes cannot do so, and yet mining is being proposed in the area.
Councillor Sean McDermott said he was horrified after having seen a video showing the effect gold mining was having on the landscape near Omagh in Co. Tyrone. Councillor Sean McDermott said fracking, forestry and wind turbines are put Leitrim’s way, but one-off rural housing is not happening.
Councillor Enda Stenson outlined that this is a Leitrim issue and not just a north Leitrim issue.
Councillor Des Guckian stated that this is an all-Leitrim issue and outlined he was glad all the north Leitrim councillors had stood together on this issue. He noted how all the members had stood together to oppose fracking and he hoped they all will stand together on this issue also.
Councillor Sean McGowan supported the motion and said all members must stand together on this issue.
Councillor Gerry Dolan supported the motion and proposed that this motion be forwarded to Cavan County Council.
On the PROPOSAL of Cllrs Mary Bohan, Cllr Frank Dolan, Cllr Padraig Fallon, Cllr Sean Mc Dermott, Cllrs Justin Warnock, Cllr Felim Gurn
SECONDED Cllr Enda Stenson
It was AGREED that Leitrim County Council call on the Minister for the Environment, Eamon Ryan TD not to proceed with the Notice of Intention to grant a prospecting Licence pursuant to section (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.