Protest outside Mining and Quarrying event

Industry meet taking place in Cavan.

Community groups from across a dozen counties picketed the entrance to Cavan's Farnham Estate this morning (Saturday) where members of the Irish Mining and Quarrying Society was hosting its annual golf tournament and blacktie dinner dance.

Present were campaigners from the Cavan Mining Opposition Group, Ballyheady says NO to Quarry, Treasure Leitrim, Save Our Sperrins, Saving the Environment of Navan's Townlands, the Drumgossatt and Knocknacran Residents Group, and the Yes to Life No to Mining Network.

The gathering was organised by members of Treasure Leitrim, who are in the process of lobbying General Election candidate sseeking a national ban on gold mining across the island of Ireland.

Members of the groups are involved in various mining, prospecting and quarrying opposition movements, from Cavan to Leitrim, Meath, Fermanagh, Tyrone, and further afield.

The Irish Mining and Quarrying Society, as founded in 1958, provides a focal point for all those working in the extractive industry in Ireland.

“The extraction industry is having a black tie and golfing event on our doorstep. It is important that they get the message that their destructive industry is not welcome,” said Hein Ehbrecht of Cavan Mining Opposition Group.

See next week's newspaper for full report.