Residents concerns over possible extension of Tara Mines’ waste facility

Fears are growing that Tara Mines could be planning a further extension of its tailings pond outside Navan.

Local residents are meeting on Thursday of next week amid suggestions that the company has bought up more land in the area.

Residents claim there is anxiety and confusion over the possibility of an extension, and local councillor, Michael Gallagher has called on the company to make a statement.

"The residents deserve to have some idea of what is happening," he said. So far the company has remained tight lipped about its plans.

Previous plans to extend the pond, which stores waste matter from the zinc and lead mining process, has proven controversial and met with strong opposition from local communities.

The meeting on Thursday night will discuss the possible extension, in light of a commitment given several years ago that the last major extension to the facility would be the last.

Local resident, Larry Henry said residents believe Tara Mines has been buying a lot of land in the area.

"We want to make it clear, we are not against Tara Mines, or the jobs it provides, but we have concerns about the tailings pond. We are very much afraid of what’s in it.

“We had been promised that the last extension would be the final one, so we were very shocked when word spread of a possible extension."

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