*Emma Karran of Futureproof Clare
MEMBERS OF FUTUREPROOF Clare are calling for more protection to the people and ecology of Clare in the County Development Plan.
Representatives of the environmental group travelled to the headquarters of Clare County Council on Tuesday afternoon to ask the Chief Executive, Pat Dowling “to keep to his promise and afford more protection in the new County Development Plan for the people and ecology of Clare against the negative impact of the extractive industries, including mining”.
In the draft County Development Plan, the Clare Groundwater Protection Scheme classifies the majority of Clare’s ground water as having “extreme vulnerability”. 80% of drinking water sources in mid and east Clare are from groundwater bodies.
At a workshop between elected members and Council staff, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) asked for the wording which was supported at the December meeting of the local authority to be strengthened in the draft to include a proposed ban on the use of mercury, sulphuric acid, cyanide and cyanide compounds in the county.
Futureproof Clare have said promises from Dowling in response to the December meeting have not been kept. Emma Karran of the group stated, “We are asking the Chief Executive to keep to his word – including adding the ban on the toxic chemicals cited above in the new County Development Plan. Leitrim Council have already added the ban in their new Plan. Donegal and Sligo are considering it and other County Councils are following”.
