Opposition to prospecting licence in Co Leitrim

Plans to issue a prospecting licence for parts of County Leitrim have been widely condemned by members of the local community.

The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications has advertised the licence for gold and silver prospecting in two areas close to Manorhamilton.

Flintridge Resources Ltd, an Omagh based company owned by Canadian mining company Galantas, was successful in the competition for the licences.

However, local residents have raised concerns over the issuing of the licences. The Treasure Leitrim campaign has urged locals to oppose the plans. It follows on from a vocal campaign against fracking in the area which was discussed in recent years.

Councillors in Leitrim unanimously backed a motion opposing the granting of the licences at their November meeting.

Treasure Leitrim member Jamie Murphy has been critical of the plans.

“We don’t think it makes any sense on any level to even consider issuing a prospecting licence to a mining company. We’re trying to move away from those kinds of destructive and extractive industries and build a more sustainable future around agriculture and tourism,” she said.

The Department of the Environment says a prospecting licence allows an entity to explore for mineral deposits but not to mine. This activity would be “non-invasive” and have “minimal environmental impact”.

A public consultation period took place until November 7.

Sligo-Leitrim TD Marian Harkin raised the issue in the Dáil where she argued that any prospecting licence will lead to a mining application should a commercial deposit be found. She said such operations could cause significant environmental damage.

Environment Minister Eamon Ryan however said local concerns over the possibility of mining taking place should only be raised in the case a deposit is found and there is no guarantee one would be after prospecting had taken place.

Opponents highlighted what they say is the irony of a Green Party Minister issuing the licence, particularly given the potential for environmental damage.

Concerns have also been raised more locally over the issuing of prospecting licences in Cavan.

Campaigns were set up in Redhills in 2019 after plans to issue prospecting licences there.