A public inquiry into a controversial gold mine in the Sperrins has been suspended for a second time to await submissions from the Irish Government.
The move came after it was found that the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) failed to properly consult on ‘transboundary’ issues relating to the proposals.
It’s seen as a necessity for the Irish Government to have input to the inquiry on what many view as an all-island matter.
The inquiry, which began on Monday, has been adjourned until March 26. The Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) has been contacted for confirmation.
Dalradian’s plans for a major mine at Curraghinalt were first submitted in 2017.
Last May, the PAC decided to put the inquiry – which was set to commence last September – on hold because of confusion relating to two licence applications for water abstraction and storage.
Going into the inquiry, anti-mining campaigners saw transboundary consultations as a key issue that would have to be addressed.
Shortly before the inquiry was due to take place, Donegal County Council raised cross-border concerns about the “potential risk” posed by a proposed gold mining operation in Co Tyrone.
The PAC was asked whether submissions from Donegal council could cause further delays as the consultation process ends on January 6, after which a formal response has to be submitted to the Department for Infrastructure NI.
In response, the PAC said these matters were to be the subject of the public inquiry process and the commission could not comment.
At the heart of concerns for Donegal County Council is the “potential risk” posed to the River Finn, which is a special area of conservation.
It says there is a “clear hydrological link” between the proposed development site and River Finn which connects to the Mourne River at the Tyrone-Donegal border. The river is also important for fish and otter.
Lough Finn holds a population of Arctic char – a relative of salmon and trout, and represents an Arctic-alpine element in the Irish fauna. In Ireland, this fish appears only in a few cold, stony, oligotrophic lakes.
The Arctic char in Lough Finn are unusual in that they are dwarfed. These only occur in one other lake in Ireland, Lough Coornasahom, Co Kerry, and they are therefore of national importance.
Ciaran McClean, a longstanding campaigner against the gold mine, said the pre-public inquiry hearings in Omagh in March 2024 ended as quickly as they began and at “huge expense” to the public purse.
Speaking ahead of the inquiry, he said the potential for the same thing occurring again was “very real”.
He wrote to chief commissioner, Andrea Kells, asking if the PAC was satisfied the DfI has fulfilled the legal requirements as set out by the PAC.
The environmental campaigner also asked how a public inquiry could proceed in the absence of meaningful input from Donegal County Council.
Mr McClean suggested the PAC should have deferred the public inquiry until all critical assessments were completed.
Now, on the third day of the inquiry, a decision has been taken to suspend it to allow the Irish Government to have its say.
Speaking after the latest suspension, Mr McClean said: “The Infrastructure Minister must ask Dalradian to submit a new application. The principle of fair play must apply evenly for all concerned.”
Alliance councillor Stephen Donnelly has said there is a “deep disappointment” across the community at the delay, which has increased concerns that residents were already feeling.
“It did not come as a surprise to anyone here cross-border considerations would come into play, so it is astonishing the department did not seem to take this factor into its plans,” he said.
“The inquiry was an opportunity for the people of Tyrone and further afield to input their opposition to this proposed gold mine.
“Thanks to the department’s failings, this has now ground to a halt. It shows a complete disrespect to our entire community.
“We need to see sustainable development in the west of Northern Ireland which does not require exploitation of our natural assets and instead showcases a green recovery for our society.
“Looking to the future, it is vital the department ensures it has carried out the proper work before we get to this stage again.
“I have stood alongside residents in their opposition to this gold mine – it is crucial they have the opportunity to make their voice heard on these proposals.”
Before the inquiry began, DfI said: “Any response made by Donegal County Council will be fully considered by DfI.”
Dalradian previously said it had submitted extensive proposals for an environmentally responsible project which will bring economic and social benefits for our local community.
A spokesperson believed the public inquiry was the appropriate forum to discuss all aspects of the project.