Yesterday’s meeting of Leitrim County heard the concerns of a number of local Councillors in relation to the negative impact that the issuing of a prospecting licence for gold mining would have on the county.
The motion tabled by the six Manorhamilton Municipal District Councillors called on the Minister for the Environment, Eamon Ryan not to proceed with the issuing of such a licence for a number of locations close to Manorhamilton.
The motion was supported by all other councillors.
The meeting heard the concerns of the councillors in relation to the impact that such a move would have on the county as a tourism destination and how it would discourage people from relocating or returning to Leitrim to work remotely.
Fianna Fáil Councillor Mary Bohan says the negatives of gold mining taking place in Leitrim would far outweigh any positives to be gained from it:
