UPDATE - Tara prospecting licence renewed

The Minister for the Environment has renewed a propecting license for Tara Mines.

On Monday, workers at the mine, angered by the continued delay in the renewal of a prospecting license, had demanded a meeting with Minister Eamon Ryan.

A well attended meeting of SIPTU workers employed at the mine in the Newgrange Hotel on Monday also wanted the company's inability to access an EU energy fund set up to assist companies in financial difficulties to be raised with the Minister.

SIPTU members in Tara Mines had met on Monday to discuss a proposed pay deal, the need to renew a drilling license for the facility and other issues impacting its operation.

Sector organiser John Regan said one of the main topics discussed was the application for a renewal of a prospecting drilling license, which was made on the 29th of December.

A spokesperson for the Department of the Environment Boliden Tara Mines had applied for the renewal of prospecting licence 4502, which expired on the 29th December 2022.

"During the previous licence period, the activity of the company impacted on a local amenity. Therefore, the Geoscience Regulation Office, on behalf of the Minister, has over the course of a period of months engaged extensively with the company to ensure that they operate to the terms and conditions of their licence.

"In March 2023, the Minister sought submissions from the general public on the renewal of PL4502 and these are being considered as part of the renewal process.”

The Department has since confirmed the renewal of the licence.

Tara Mines has been approached for comment.