Further to the recent Angling Notes article on the disastrous state of the Avoca River in Co Wicklow, caused, in the main, by acid drainage from the disused Avoca Mines, the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Noel Dempsey, has appointed CDM Consultants to carry out a major study of the Avoca Mines area.
The scope of work will include the area's health and safety, the environment, the Avoca River and tributaries, specialised habitats, material assets, heritage, tourism and potential future developments in the area.
Initial field evaluations have already taken place and a more detailed sampling survey is planned throughout the summer and autumn. The study will lead to a costed proposal for the removal of pollution and contaminants, and for the long-term management of the Avoca site.
Information sessions and a workshop will be established to keep local residents and stakeholders informed and to allow participation. These will be advertised in advance in the local press.
Dempsey said: "My intention is to ensure that the state of Avoca Mining is made acceptable to all the local residents and to restore the area to sustainable land uses."
For more information, visit www.gsi.ie.
Derek Evans
© Irish Times
No comments:
Post a Comment