Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is to respond to a consultation in respect of the proposed installation of a heavy-duty power cable by NI Electricity Networks through the Sperrins, after the Department for Economy (DfE) advised of an intention to grant applications for Mineral Prospecting Licences in some County Tyrone lands.

As a statutory consultee, Council officers presented a draft response at the monthly meeting of the Regeneration and Community Committee, which was broadly welcomed, although some members felt it needed to be stronger.

Director of Regeneration and Planning, Kim McLaughlin, explained on June 18,  the Council was consulted by the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) in respect of an application for a 33kV power line, involving the construction of both an above ground and overhead line, supported by wooden poles, as well as cable laid below ground level in ducts.

This is to serve Curraghinalt mine and run 37.9 km in length, comprising 26.9 km, of which  15.1km of powerline is within the Council area.

The consultation specifically relates to the submission of an Environmental Statement, and while a response was originally due on July 9, an extension was agreed.

Ms. McLaughlin said the electricity source is regarded as “an integral part of the mine project” but must be considered against environmental impacts, including the landscape.

She highlighted a previous response to the overall application, setting out serious concerns and calling for a public inquiry to allow full community engagement.

Independent Councillor Emmet McAleer said the application for a heavy-duty powerline through the Sperrins, as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is for the benefit of a private company which has applied for a gold mine and processing plant.

He pointed out a requirement for tree-cutting on a three-year cycle, branding the loss of the carbon store provided by trees as “an environmental crime in these times of climate crisis and the global drive to reduce carbon emissions”.

Councillor McAleer continued: “There would be huge impacts on ecology and environment ... This is not in the interests of our people or our beautiful area.”

While welcoming the draft consultation response, Councillor McAleer proposed his comments were included and that the Council “oppose the application and protect our citizens and our area”.

Seconding, Councillor Donal O’Cofaigh, Independent , told members: “It’s important we put forward the strongest possible case for the protection of our environment.

“It’s entirely unclear why there’s a need for another electricity line simply to enable a corporation to perform extractive activities, hugely opposed by the local community.”

However, Ulster Unionist Councillor Howard Thornton felt the draft response “adequately covers the concerns that are known to us” and proposed it go forward without further amendment, which was seconded by party colleague, Councillor Alex Baird.

Independent Councillor Eamon Keenan said: “To go forward with this electricity line to a gold mine that doesn’t even have planning permission is to put the cart before the horse.

“This cannot be described as sustainable, environmentally-friendly or cost-effective planning ... It actually raises further questions that this is going ahead regardless of regulations or a public inquiry?

“It would be dangerous and wrong for this council to participate in this project.”

The matter went to a vote, during which an issue arose when some members of the Planning Committee took part, when they should have refrained.

After the figures were adjusted to reflect this, the vote came in 12 – 10 to proceed with the proposed response as it stands and without amendment.