Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 159: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the timeframe for the completion of the remediation of a mine (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37143/08]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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As I indicated in my reply to Parliamentary Question 38 of 10th July 2008, this project is being carried out on a phased basis. The contractor employed by North Tipperary County Council commenced work in mid-July 2008 on the first phase of the remediation works at the Gortmore Tailings Management Facility (TMF) and this initial phase of the works has almost been completed. It has proved possible to have certain elements of the works planned for phase 2 carried forward and these will now be completed before the end of the year. These works involve the covering of further bare areas on the TMF and road access improvement. This will facilitate traffic access to spread the topsoil layer during the next phase. Work will also begin on the associated reinstatement of public roads in the Gortmore area. Future works planned for 2009 and 2010 at the Gortmore site include further capping and associated works as well as vegetation and upgrading of wetland areas. It is expected that the works will be substantially completed in 2011.