SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan has welcomed SDLP Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon’s request for a public inquiry into the Dalradian Gold Mine.

Ms Mallon has requested the Planning Appeals Commission hold an inquiry into the project.

The West Tyrone MLA said:

“It’s welcome that SDLP Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has listened to the concerns of people in this area and followed up her previous announcement that the Dalradian Gold Mine project will be subject to a public inquiry. The SDLP has long called for a public inquiry to be held.

“There have been a number of concerns expressed about the environmental and community impact of the project and I hope this inquiry will result in a full investigation and inform local people of the realities of the proposed mining. It’s important that all aspects of this planning application are fully explored.

“When members of the local community express concern about projects like this it’s only right that they are heard. SDLP Minister Mallon’s announced public inquiry will provide us with a full picture of this project and enable informed decision making going forward.”