§ Rev. William McCreaTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what conditions are being imposed upon the mineral operation being carried on at Cavanacaw, Omagh so as to ensure the future welfare and safety of the environment; and whether final approval has been granted for the mineral extraction in this area.
§ Mr. NeedhamThe conditions of the prospecting licence include provision for restoration of lands affected by prospecting operations. No approval has been given for406W a mining lease in the Cavanacaw area near Omagh, but planning permission has been granted for a temporary exploration trench for mineral exploration subject to conditions imposed in the interest of amenity and road safety. In addition, a consent has been granted for the making of a discharge into a waterway under the terms of the Water Act (NI) 1972 subject to conditions to ensure that the waterway will not be polluted. I have sent copies of the planning decision notice and the Water Act consent to the hon. Gentleman and the Library.