North Tipperary County Council recently signed a contract with SIAC Construction for the Minor Remediation Works at Ballygown Magcobar, and Shallee as part of the Silvermines Rehabilitation Project.

The cost of the contract is €593,967.91, excluding Vat and the remediation works to be carried out at the historic mine sites of Ballygown, Magcobar, Garryard, Gorteenadiha, and Shallee include various segments.

Fencing of mine shafts and subsidence areas, Demolition of derelict buildings, Asbestos Removal, Mine Shaft Capping, Drainage Improvement Works, Minor Earthworks and Re-vegetation, Erosion Protection Works, and other miscellaneous works that are required for the protection of the environment and human and animal health in the Silvermines historic mine area, are all included.

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The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, in 2005 made a total of €10.6m available for environmental remediation works in the historic mining area of Silvermines. North Tipperary County Council is acting as Agent for the DCENR in having the rehabilitation scheme executed.

Mayor John Kennedy said: "I am very happy to be part of this overall Project, which will benefit the environment now and in time to come.

"It is particularly important that safety aspects of the closed mine are identified and works carried out to ensure that measures are in place to protect the public from potential hazards. The Government has expended significant investment in the remediation of this area and I look forward to the completion of the Project in the future."

(CD/BMcC)