The public inquiry into the Curraghinalt gold mine project has cost nearly £500,000, facing suspensions and controversy.
People have strong feelings about this project. Supporters note the gold deposit is significant, while opponents worry about nature and health. It’s in the Sperrin Mountains, a beautiful area.
Dalradian has worked there for fifteen years. They say the mine could create jobs and boost Northern Ireland’s economy. The potential boost is estimated at $5 billion.
An inquiry started, led by Jacqueline McParland. It was paused before because of water license issues. Public hearings then began last month in Omagh. However, the inquiry stopped on the third day due to breaches of regulations.
Officials didn’t notify the Irish government, and Donegal County Council didn’t get enough time. McParland expressed regret about the situation and blamed government departments’ inaction. The inquiry faced many difficulties, and the impact and cost are considerable, she said.
The Planning Appeals Commission suspended inquiries on January 15, requesting this suspension and saying they would provide more information later. So far, the inquiry has cost almost £500,000, according to the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunal Service, revealed through a Freedom of Information request.
Salaries are the biggest cost, but there were also security costs, totaling over £10,000. Mailing costs were the smallest at just under £700, while administrative salaries cost over £200,000.
Fidelma O’Kane from Save Our Sperrins is shocked and opposes the mine. She can’t believe how much money it cost and wonders how high costs will climb.
She mentioned police and security, with police telling members about death threats back in 2019. It’s unclear when the inquiry will continue; trans-boundary consultation could take six weeks. An expert had to cancel his trip, costing the group money, and O’Kane is concerned for her grandchildren’s future, wanting them to live safely in the area.
A Department of Justice spokesperson called it unprecedented, noting the scale and complexity are huge. The PAC handles the inquiry independently, while the NI Courts service assists financially. The costs include processing many submissions, research related to eight planning applications, and costs from three days of actual hearings.