Protesters demonstrate ahead of first sitting of gold mine public inquiry

By Rebecca Black (PA)

Protesters have staged a demonstration ahead of the first sitting of a public inquiry into an application for a gold mine in Co Tyrone.

The mining firm Dalradian has been working on the Curraghinalt site near Greencastle in the Sperrin Mountains since 2009. It has applied to develop an underground gold mine.

There has been opposition to the proposal, which concerns an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, in terms of its impact on health and the environment.

However, some local people are in support for investment and jobs in the area.

Dalradian said the project could bring 1,000 jobs and deliver £5 billion to the local economy in Northern Ireland.

The application is being examined by a Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) inquiry, which started at the Strule Arts Centre in Omagh on Monday.

Activists from the Save Our Sperrins group, which is opposed to the mine, staged a colourful protest with dancing and singing outside the building before proceedings got under way.

Jacqueline McParland (centre of top table), Senior Commissioner at The Planning and Water Appeals Commission at Strule Arts Centre in Omagh (Photo by PA)