Third crowhole opens on Gyproc land at Drumgoosat

An aerial survey of the area around the mine collapse outside Kingscourt has identified another incident of subsidence, or crown hole, that took place on Friday. This is the third incident of this nature since it first emerged on the Cavan Monaghan border in September of last year.

Paul Clifford the director of Economic Planning & Emergency Services with Monaghan County Council said the local authority was informed of the formation of the surface feature on Friday evening by Gyproc, but had little other information.

The new crown hole is located close to original site of pillar collapse that took place last September. It is approximately 270m from public road on lands owned by Gyproc.

In correspondence with the Anglo Celt a spokesperson for Gyproc said: “Based on the latest results of routine drone monitoring surveys of Gyproc land, we noted the formation of a surface feature in the Drumgoosat area.

“From an initial inspection, we believed this surface feature could be the formation of a crown hole adjacent to or under a hedge line, and our inspections have now confirmed this to be the case. We notified all relevant Governmental and County Council authorities and will continue to monitor and keep them informed.”

As this crown hole is located entirely within Gyproc owned lands and is not close to any private homes, public infrastructure or bordering roads (the R179), Gyproc say they are confident it poses no risk or hindrance to the public. Arrangements are in place to fence around the feature to prevent access: “We will continue to monitor the matter as normal,” the spokesperson said.