Update on Closure of Magheracloone Road

The Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council, Cllr. David Maxwell, hosted a meeting in Carrickmacross, last night (Tuesday 15 Jan 2019) where representatives from Drumgossat/Knocknacran Residents Group met the Brian Dolan, Managing Director Gyproc (Ireland) Ltd and senior members of his management team. 

Also in attendance at the meeting were Minister Heather Humphreys, Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Minister Sean Canney, Minister of State for Natural Resources, Community Affairs and Digital Development, together with Senator Robbie Gallagher, Deputy Niamh Smyth TD, Councillors Padraig McNally, Noel Keelan, Aidan Campbell, Colm Carthy, P.J.O’Hanlon, Jackie Crowe, Hugh McElvaney and Chief Executive Eamonn O’Sullivan.

Chief Geologist, Eibhlin Doyle, from the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment together with Pat Byrne, Environmental Protection Agency and Frank McEntee, Senior Engineer, Monaghan County Council updated the residents on the current situation relating to the mine collapse in September and the crownhole in December that led to the latest closure of the road.

Brian Dolan, Managing Director addressed the meeting directly and apologised to all residents of Magheracloone, GAA club, community centre, County Council and elected members, on behalf of Gyproc (Ireland) Ltd.. Emphasising their role in the community since 1936, he stated that the company wold not be found wanting and committed to work with everyone to resolve everything. Director of Operations, Pat O’Connor and Head of Marketing Kieran Whelehan also addressed the residents.

The residents group posed a significant number of questions to the officials and Gyproc and responses were given by all parties and Robin Deane from Wardell Armstrong, technical advisors to the Department.

It was agreed that a Stakeholder Forum would be established comprising of representatives from the Council, Department, EPA, Gyproc (Ireland) Ltd and the residents. The Forum aims to ensure that all parties are kept informed of progress on the geotechnical assessments and works over the coming weeks. It was also agreed that another meeting between the residents group and Gyproc (Ireland) Ltd will be convened in mid- February.

Core drilling and geotechnical analysis continues along the LP4900 local road to Drumgossat. No decision can be made in relation to the reopening of the road until this analysis is complete. As mine workings extend under the road at this point, it is likely that the road will remain closed until mid-March at the earliest.