A public planning inquiry underway in Omagh has major implications for Donegal. Despite that, Donegal objectors were initially refused permission to take part. This was because the wording of the letter sent to them was unclear, at best. Despite the importance, neither Donegal Council, nor the Irish Government, is represented at the inquiry. The North’s Planning Appeals’ Commission is holding the inquiry. This is into a proposed mine at Greencastle in the heart of the Sperrins. For some years, mining company Dalradian was promoting this as being the largest gold mine in Europe. More recently, that has changed. A representative told the Inquiry ore from the mine would be partly refined on the site. The resulting concentrate would be moved on. As well as gold, he spoke of silver, copper, tellurium, and possible other metals. As well as gold, the other metals are to be useful for the renewable energy sector. However, once the concentrate leaves the site, Dalradian’s responsibility ends. The concentrate can be further refined, into whatever the recipient decides.
