A residents group opposed to mining practices in Cavan and Monaghan is appealing to all local election candidates to support them in urging the government to ban mining and prospecting outright. In Cavan, plans to extend a gypsum mine in Drumgossat/Knocknacran has been disputed by concerned residents and is currently with An Bórd Pleanála. Elsewhere, residents in the Ballyheedy area have objected to plans to develop a large open-cast quarry there while four prospecting licences granted for the Redhills area has been returned to the government's exploration and mining department following three years' of protests by residents.
Communities Against the Injustice of Mining, or CAIMS, is an all-island network of and for communities affected by mining and prospecting. The Cavan residents are members of CAIMS and each objects to mining because of its impact on the environment, biodiversity and water sources. Now, CAIMS has written to each of the sitting Cavan-Monaghan TDs asking them to support their efforts to protect their areas. The campaign group ask the candidates seeking re-election to let them know their response two days before the election so they "can let their members know".
Hein Ehbrecht is a local spokesperson for CAIMS. He said now is the time for candidate's to let people know where they stand:
