Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the role the Deputy has as a constituency Teachta Dála, and his family history. I have spoken to him on this issue before. Regarding Gortmore, I understand from my Department that it is in discussions, through the Chief State Solicitor's office, with solicitors for the owners of the property. That is not to say it is expediting a CPO but it is in discussions to purchase the land. With regard to the unknown causes of cattle deaths, I am aware the Environmental Protection Agency, the EPA, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the environment section of Tipperary County Council are investigating the issues. They are taking water samples, which seem to be satisfactory, and they are looking at all possibilities, including paint or batteries that may have been dumped in the general area, to try to ascertain why exactly there has been animal deaths in the area. Clearly, regarding Gortmore, it is the largest section of concern within the Silvermines complex. We are trying to expedite a purchase of that through the Chief State Solicitor's office and we will continue with that.

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