Protect Connemara

Protect Connemara from mining


Two weeks ago I went to a meeting in Ballyconneely, Co Galway.  It was a  poster in a Post Office window that attracted my attention, about gold mining in Connemara. I could not believe that any one would want to mine there. I listened in horror as it was explained to me the possibilities that could effect our fragile landscape and ecosystem.

Gold mining is one of the most destructive to our world, it is open cast and 2 tons to 91 tons of rock to produce just 1 ounce of gold, each ton of rock turned into slurry and rinsed with arsenic or cyanide.

The prospecting license to be granted has been done WITHOUT an Environmental Impact Assessment, a statutory instrument was used to waiver the law. 

 Connemara has a blanket bog holding in a millennia of carbon, 70% of Connemara is a Special area of conservation , This current exploration plan, if granted, is proposed to take place in protected areas, including Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHA) including Murvey Machair, Connemara Bog Complex, and Dogs Bay.  The blanket bog is protected under the European habitats directive. We will be left with poisoned waterways, and land left unfit for anything, even grazing. The noise from the endless drilling would drive any wildlife left away. Connemara thrives on its tourism this would be lost too #wildatlanticway #livesmatter 

THERE WAS NO PUBLIC CONSULTATION 

We are a small committee of locals, 
This is the Protect Connemara committee. From L to R,

Catherine McEvoy,  Alexine Tinne, Terri Conroy and Aine Ni Cheannabhain on the evening that we elected. 

We formed an action group called  Protect Connemara, that are trying to stand up for what we feel is right, saving our landscape and futures from being ransacked for financial gain that we will not actually see in this country! it will go to the mining company. We are looking for funds to help this campaign get off the ground, and set the spotlight full on this issue, as in the Sperrins case we may have to take them to the high court - this is where we start. Every cent counts. This is the Protect Connemara committee. From L to R,

This has been set up to raise money to cover the costs of fliers, posters, petition sheets and any other expenses that may accrue. So far we have relied on the goodwill of Charles in the Digital Office but that cannot go on for ever. ABSOLUTELY ALL INVOICES AND PAYMENTS IN AND OUT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC SCRUTINY. Sadly there may also be a need for a lawyer or barrister should this go to the courts. 

#protectconnemara please use this hashtag






                              


The petition to sign is here - https://www.facebook.com/notes/protect-connemara-keeping-roundstone-bogballlyconneely-free-from-mining/petition-to-stop-prospecting-for-gold-in-connemara/361472467905042/ and we can be found on facebook for information and pictures here https://www.facebook.com/groups/361177424601213/




 An update 

Campaign Update for the week 14 July to 21st July.

Our research is continuing.

We have had an interview with Lorna Siggins for Drive Time on RTE radio 1 which will be played sometime this week

We have contacted all shadow TDs for Communications, Climate Action and Enironment

We have spoken to AnTaisce and they have instructed us to send an official "Complaint" to Ministers Bruton and Canney regarding not including the people in a public consultation process and not disclosing the number of submissions of objection.. Also send the "Complaint" to the Information Commissioner and let the Ministers know that we will be reporting them to the Aarhus Compliance Committee in Geneva.

We have received offers of support re car bumper stickers

Keep the pressure on the politicians 


email Richard Bruton TD The minister for the environment and climate change here [email redacted].ie 

or Sean Canney TD Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment with special responsibility for natural resources, community affairs and digital development  here [email redacted]  Party:

and sign the petition please ...