Anti-goldmine protest for 24 hours at Omagh Courthouse

GROUPS opposed to Dalradian’s plans for a goldmine in Greencastle held a 24-hour protest at Omagh Courthouse this week.

One of those who participated was Marella Fyffe from Communities Against Mining in Omagh (CAMIO).

“It was extremely cold in the middle of the night, but this is what we want to do to highlight the very serious concerns about the impact of goldmining on the local environment,” she said.

“Our aim is to raise awareness of what we believe will be the devastating effect of this industry, if it is given the go-ahead to proceed here.”

Ms Fyffe said the Courthouse was selected for the protest – which lasted from 6pm on Tuesday untll 6pm on Wednesday – because it is the ‘centre of justice’ in the Omagh area.

“There has been widespread support for our stance, and during the course of the 24 hours, we welcomed visitors from similar organisations to our own in Ireland.”

Members from the Save Our Sperrins group also participated in the event.

It is anticipated that a public inquiry into the proposed goldmine at Greencastle will take place next year.