20 September 2001 Edition
Group will fight lignite mining plans
A community group, the Cookstown and Western Shores Area Network (CWSAN), has been set up to spearhead opposition to lignite mining in the Loughshore area of Counties Tyrone and Derry, which would affect over 100 townlands and nine local district electoral wards.
The proposal by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to grant two mineral prospecting licences to the Anglo-Pacific Group Plc has been met with widespread local anger.
CWSAN is an the umbrella support body for rural community groups that have come together to voice their concern to the open cast lignite mining plans along the scenic Lough Neagh.
In the 1980s, ``Lignite Action'' campaigned to halt previous plans to mine lignite, successfully arguing that the process of open cast mining would have destroyed rural scenery and broken up communities.
Two local community associations will host a public meeting, where it is expected letters of support will be distributed to the general public.
Spokesperson for CWSAN, Conor Corr said: ``Normally a statutory obligation of eight weeks is given to allow representation and even this time-frame is minimalist. We are, however, confident that given the time constraints, this community will react swiftly to the DETI'S proposals and will oppose any action which may have a serious detrimental impact upon the community.''
The meetings to discuss the mining are scheduled for Kinturk Cultural Centre on Wednesday 26 September at 8pm and The Crieve Centre, Stewartstown on Monday 1 October, also at 8pm.
For further information contact Anne on 028 8773 8845 or email [email protected].
The proposal by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to grant two mineral prospecting licences to the Anglo-Pacific Group Plc has been met with widespread local anger.
CWSAN is an the umbrella support body for rural community groups that have come together to voice their concern to the open cast lignite mining plans along the scenic Lough Neagh.
In the 1980s, ``Lignite Action'' campaigned to halt previous plans to mine lignite, successfully arguing that the process of open cast mining would have destroyed rural scenery and broken up communities.
Two local community associations will host a public meeting, where it is expected letters of support will be distributed to the general public.
Spokesperson for CWSAN, Conor Corr said: ``Normally a statutory obligation of eight weeks is given to allow representation and even this time-frame is minimalist. We are, however, confident that given the time constraints, this community will react swiftly to the DETI'S proposals and will oppose any action which may have a serious detrimental impact upon the community.''
The meetings to discuss the mining are scheduled for Kinturk Cultural Centre on Wednesday 26 September at 8pm and The Crieve Centre, Stewartstown on Monday 1 October, also at 8pm.
For further information contact Anne on 028 8773 8845 or email [email protected].