6 September 2001 Edition
Lignite mining concern
Pearse McAleer, Chairman of Cookstown Distict Council, has voiced his concern at the advertisement of a grant of two licences to explore for lignite. The licences, which have been issued by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, cover substantial areas of the Ballinderry electoral area. ``Given the controversial history of this issue I am very concerned that it appears to be raising its head again and in such a wide area,'' said McAleer.
``This grant covers a sizeable area, from the Washingbay in Dungannon Council right up to the Loup. This area has already made its concerns clear after the previous attempts to mine for lignite. I am amazed that we are now face with a repeat of this issue.
``I will be writing to the Minister and DETI for further information on this
application and the potential furure of such a application. I will also be reminding him of the very successful and solid campaign which was conducted by the whole community at the time of the previous explorations. This community needs the support and assistance of the DETI but it does not need to be ripped apart with mining. This is an are of natural beauty enhanced by the North's best resource, Lough Neagh. We cannot let that be destroyed.
``This grant covers a sizeable area, from the Washingbay in Dungannon Council right up to the Loup. This area has already made its concerns clear after the previous attempts to mine for lignite. I am amazed that we are now face with a repeat of this issue.
``I will be writing to the Minister and DETI for further information on this
application and the potential furure of such a application. I will also be reminding him of the very successful and solid campaign which was conducted by the whole community at the time of the previous explorations. This community needs the support and assistance of the DETI but it does not need to be ripped apart with mining. This is an are of natural beauty enhanced by the North's best resource, Lough Neagh. We cannot let that be destroyed.