Councillor Clifford Kelly and I met with Brian Dolan Chief Executive Gyproc in relation to the subsidence in the Magheracloone area.
We had sought the meeting with Gyproc and the Chief Executive to outline concerns that had been raised with us by people in the Magheracloone and Kingscourt areas. We sought reassurances from Gyproc in relation to safety measures, possible time frame for re-opening of roads, effects on local businesses, communications with the local community and local organisations and the employment situation with the company locally.
Below replies to Parliamentary Questions I tabled in Dáil Éireann in relation to these issues of such importance to the local community.
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For Written Answer on : 09/10/2018
Question Number(s): 434 Question Reference(s): 41244/18
Department: Communications, Climate Action and Environment
Asked by: Brendan Smith T.D.
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QUESTION
[Ref No.: 41244/18]
* To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the assistance provided to date or planned to assist those affected by the recent subsidence in Magheracloone, County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. – Brendan Smith.
* For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 9th October, 2018.
(1091 Received on 4th October, 2018.)
REPLY
Following the subsidence reported on September 24th in Magheracloone, County Monaghan, my officials have been liaising with the company and other relevant statutory authorities (Monaghan County Council and the Environmental Protection Agency) on an ongoing and regular basis and have continued to monitor the situation closely.
I understand that the family liaison office of Gyproc, the mine operator, has been in regular contact with the five affected families to provide support. The priority is returning these families to their homes as quickly as possible, subject to the results of expert reports, and one of these families has already returned to their house on the 28th of September. In the meantime, the company is continuing to provide the remaining affected families with alternative accommodation, transport and other needs to minimise disruption.
The company is also in contact with all local businesses in the affected area that are inconvenienced by the road closures while investigations into the incident are taking place. They are continuing to work with Monaghan County Council to ensure the area in question is safe for road users in order to allow normal service to resume for businesses in these areas.
I understand that Gyproc are also fully committed to assisting Magheracloone GAA Club and Community Centre. They remain in constant contact with the club and are committed to supporting them in securing new long-term facilities, as well as in sourcing short term facilities in the interim.
My officials will continue to provide assistance to Monaghan County Council, and the Environmental Protection Agency, until the matter has been fully resolved.
______________________________________________
For Written Answer on : 09/10/2018
Question Number(s): 435 Question Reference(s): 41245/18
Department: Communications, Climate Action and Environment
Asked by: Brendan Smith T.D.
______________________________________________
QUESTION
[Ref No.: 41245/18]
* To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the assistance provided to date to statutory agencies in dealing with the issues arising from the subsidence in Magheracloone, County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. – Brendan Smith.
* For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 9th October, 2018.
(1092 Received on 4th October, 2018.)
REPLY
Following the subsidence reported on September 24th in Magheracloone, senior geologists from my Department’s Exploration and Mining Division (EMD) and I visited the site on Tuesday 25th September. Since then, EMD officials have been liaising with the company and other relevant Statutory Authorities (Monaghan County Council and the Environmental Protection Agency) on an ongoing and regular basis and have continued to monitor the situation closely.
The Geological Survey of Ireland also responded to a request for information from Monaghan County Council and met with officials in Carrickmacross on Tuesday 25th September. Specifically GSI host historic maps and reports in the National Mine Records Database, and were able to offer advice and survey and drilling services if required. In addition, expertise and advice on Mine Engineering was provided via the Geoscience Ireland business cluster.
I confirm that my officials will continue to provide all necessary assistance to Monaghan County Council, and the Environmental Protection Agency, until the matter has been fully resolved.