Individual Post

Megan stated “Sinn Féin will not support a renewal of the prospecting licence in relation to Conroy Gold. In light of the number of prospecting licence applications being submitted around the North, we believe none should be granted until a full public enquiry is concluded.

 

We are concerned that as a first step in the consultation process, an initial impact assessment was not undertaken and circulated to interested parties and residents who fall under the catchment area of the licence.

 

We have also raised concerns regarding the fact that much of the area in the proposed licence is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this reinforces our view that an initial impact assessment would have been a crucial first step in the process.

 

On the back of our previous submission, several key questions and serious concerns remain unaddressed. Therefore, given the potential impact of successful prospecting on the environment, the local community and to the outstanding natural beauty of the area, Sinn Féin do not support this proposed prospecting licence.

 

I will continue to work closely with local residents and also alongside the Save Our South Armagh campaign group so that together we can ensure that our voices are heard.  This is crucial as it is our local community after all and we should always have our say in any proposals which will directly impact on us.