A Stormont department’s failure to notify the Irish government about transboundary issues relating to a gold mine has seen a public inquiry on the controversial planning application suspended.
Multinational mineral exploration firm Dalradian applied to mine gold, silver, copper, tellurium and other precious minerals in the Sperrin Mountains area of outstanding natural beauty in Co Tyrone in 2017.
But following public backlash that saw around 47,000 objections submitted against the application a public inquiry was ordered in 2020.
Dalradian say the proposed mine will bring 350 new jobs and improve the local economy but campaigners say it will impact the environment, air and water quality as well as their lives and those of future generations.
Evidence from all sides was set to be examined in the coming months, but following water abstraction and transboundary issues the Planning Appeals Commission said were sparked by government departments ‘failure to follow their own legislative procedures’ the process has been delayed a second time.
Transboundary issues involving Donegal’s River Finn were first raised publicly at the pre-inquiry meeting in March 2024.
It has now emerged during the three days of the inquiry that DfI reached out to Donegal County Council in April but took the decision not to involve Irish government departments.
With Donegal County Council’s response arriving on DfI’s desk the Friday before the inquiry began, major concerns were raised that residents of the Republic who could be impacted were not given a fair chance to submit their opinions as required by law and didn’t have all the information they needed.
DfI counsel, David Elvin KC, told the inquiry on Wednesday morning: “Having consulted with the department and briefed the minister, the view is that it should formally notify the Dublin government and Donegal County Council to ensure the relevant material is brought before them and before the residents of Donegal.”
The PAC’s Jacqueline McParland said it was “regrettable” members of the PAC had been put in this position because of the “inaction” of government departments and their failure to follow their own legislative procedures.
She added: “The inquiry has been besieged with difficulties.
“Cost to public purse and parties involved are not to be understated.
“It is deeply regrettable parties have been put in this position by the inaction of government departments.”
Ms McParland said the PAC would suspend the inquiries “in light of DfI’s request to suspend the inquiries” and that “this is a necessary juncture to reach”.
She said a hearing will be held on March 26 subject to DfI being “satisfied” of its requirements under EIA regulations.
Donegal County Council said while NI authorities are the decision makers, they have identified “potential transboundary risks relating to the hydrological links between the mining operation site and the catchment of the River Finn SAC, and the potential risks to water quality and aquatic ecology, including water dependent qualifying interests within the Natura 2000 sites (such as Atlantic Salmon), and in general, the conservation interests of designated EU Habitats in the catchment”.