Councillors back motion calling for end to ‘free’ police security at mines

COUNCILLORS have called for an end to free police security provided to mining companies in Tyrone.

In a motion brought before the full council in recent days independent councillor Paul Gallagher urged the council to write to Justice Minister Naomi Long to insist the companies involved pay for the cost of security themselves, rather than leave the taxpayer to foot the bill.

The motion was back by the majority of councillors – DUP members voted against the motion, while the Ulster Unionist representatives abstained.

Welcoming the councillors support Cllr Gallagher said his motion was ‘important’.

“I am incredibly pleased to get this motion through council. Mining companies operating in Tyrone amass millions each year pillaging our natural resources for their own financial gain, yet still receive free security from the local police.

“They need to start paying for their own security. A letter will be drafted this week to the Policing Board, the Chief Constable and Justice Minister Naomi Long stating that it is the official, corporate position of Derry City and Strabane District Council that free security for mining companies should not happen and we ask that it is withdrawn immediately,” he explained.

One of those companies who stand to be affected by the motion if all the relevant parties agree to the letter’s contents are Dalradian.

The gold mining company have been operating in Tyrone since 2009. A spokesperson for the company explained, “For the avoidance of any doubt, Dalradian do not ‘ask’ the PSNI to provide security services.

“This is misinformation and was clearly corrected by the PSNI following similar motions at Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.

“We understand that there is a statutory obligation on the Chief Constable to consider the threat level, if any, around the transport and use of explosives.

“The PSNI have confirmed that companies operating in the explosives, quarrying, and mining sectors are not subject to charge as they have not requested any ‘service’, rather the provision of the service is necessary, due to the threat level, which is outside of the control of companies in these sectors.”