by Louise Doyle

THE placing of a sign at a protest camp against controversial plans for a gold mine in Tyrone informing people to contact gardaí rather than the PSNI has sparked confusion.

The Donegal News understands the sign  and the fencing it was attached to were from this jurisdiction, and were placed in the area by Dalradian, who were interrupted by protesters before they had the opportunity to erect the correct signage.

The incident occurred during the last weekend of August.

The so-called Greencastle People’s Office – which includes a number of caravans and outside seating – has been in operation since 2018 on land earmarked by Dalradian Gold Ltd for the construction of a multi-million-pound mine.

The campaigners have vowed to remain at the site in Greencastle, where security fencing and cameras have been put in operation.

Signs warning against trespassing were erected on gates in the area within the last fortnight with fencing and security cameras installed the following morning.

In a bizarre twist, the signs put up on behalf of Dalradian advise people to contact the Gardaí rather than the PSNI.

Asked about the incident, a spokesperson for Dalradian told the Donegal News: “A caravan was placed without permission on company-owned land in Greencastle in 2018. In the weeks leading up to the original trespass, fences were cut, and access was unlawfully gained. This was reported to PSNI by the company at the time and in the local press. The placing of the caravan is and was without Dalradian’s consent and constitutes a trespass on private property.

“In recent weeks, we became aware from social media posts that a public event was being planned to take place over the weekend. We wrote to the organisers, to advise them that there was no permission to access these lands or to host any public events on them.

“Trespass on private property should not be condoned. As per any homeowner, landowner or business, the company sought to ensure the protection of its land and the safety of all individuals concerned.

“The steps taken by Dalradian to secure the company’s land at Greencastle were temporary and will be removed in due course.

“The company remains committed to maintaining good relationships with the local community and to continuing open, respectful dialogue about its project.”

We also asked An Garda Síochána if they were aware of the sign advising people to contact Gardaí and not the PSNI.

In a statement, a spokesperson said: “An Garda Síochána cannot comment on named individuals, businesses or organisations.

“An Garda Síochána cannot comment on material published by third parties.”

A Public Inquiry into the gold mine proposals began in Omagh in January of this year, but was stopped after less than three days due to concerns that proper cross-border consultations had not taken place in relation to the potential transboundary impact of the mine.

The long-awaited public inquiry into the plans came to a pause when a submission by Donegal-based environmental consultancy group, Defending Environmental Wealth (DEW) brought to the fore that local residents had been denied their legal right to have a say.

Inquiry chairperson Jacqueline McParland returned the submission in its envelope to Gerard Moyne, of DEW, at the public inquiry in Omagh, advising him that a submission could not be made in that way. But, in the end that proved not to matter as the groundbreaking submission highlighted “transboundary issues” not considered, which cited the potential impact the goldmine could have on cross-border waterways including the River Finn, which runs along the borders of counties Tyrone and Donegal and the River Foyle and Foyle Basin in Derry.

In April, a spokesperson for Donegal County Council told this newspaper that it had “fulfilled its obligation relating to the public notification process”.

Dalradian, an American-owned company, has applied for planning permission to build a large underground mine in the heart of the Sperrin Mountains, around 19 kilometres from the town of Omagh.

It is a protected designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.