AS one who opposed the goldmine in Cavanacaw at the time of the public enquiry some 18 years ago, could I urge members of the public to please lobby their MLAs, councillors, MPs and anyone else in positions of influence to halt further activities of this nature which impact upon the environment and the community. Last week your paper ran a story regarding a proposed quarry in Mullaslin.
This must be opposed by all who value our native countryside, if another abscess on the landscape is to be avoided. Areas within a small radius around Omagh have been, and continue to be ravaged by this activity regardless of the impact on the quality of life for those who have to live close by.
Councillors argue that they have little influence on the issue and that ultimately it is the planning service who will make the decision. The planning department state that they will form a preliminary opinion which will be presented to the local council as it is they who will ratify the decision. Ultimate responsibility seems to be avoided by both parties, in a desire to leave the decision to the Minister for the Environment, Edwin Poots. The planning reference number is K/09/0807
Please write or email, quoting this number, to stop this destruction.
Department of Environment Headquarters, Clarence Court, 10 - 18 Adelaide Street, Belfast BT2 8GB.
Telephone: 028 9054 0540 or email: doe.iemonitoring@doeni.gov.uk.
Alternatively, write to the DoE Private Office, Clarence Court, 10 - 18 Adelaide Street, Belfast BT2 8GB or email: private.Office@doeni.gov.uk
Colm McGinn
