Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Since 2007, my Department in co-operation with Tipperary County Council, has undertaken an extensive programme of remediation works at a number of former mining sites at Silvermines, County Tipperary, with expenditure on the works totalling €11.2 million to date. The last substantive phase of the programme of remediation works to be completed is the work at the Garryard site. Progression of this phase of the programme is currently under consideration by my Department. My Department continues to work to ensure the protection of the investment already made and a long-term approach to the programme. The Department also has an ongoing programme of environmental monitoring of the sites concerned.

I understand thatSIGA-Hydro Limited is working on plans to develop a pumped storage electricity generation plant at Silvermines.  The proposed development would utilise the flooded open pit at the Magcobar site which was used to produce barite from 1963 to 1992. Limited remediation works have been carried out at the Magcobar site under the programme of remediation works including re-grading of spoil piles, demolition of derelict structures, fencing off dangerous areas and areas of mine heritage interest. It should be noted that the land and minerals at the site are privately owned and were registered as excepted minerals by the Mining Board with primary responsibility for any necessary rehabilitation resting with the owner.

There are no proposals to compulsorily purchase lands in the proximity of the Magcobar site.

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