Further subsidence at Gyproc mine
An aerial survey of the area around the mine collapse outside Kingscourt has identified another incident of subsidence that took place last night outside the 120 metre zone previously thought to have contained the problem.
A statement from Gyproc said although earlier assessments suggested the area of subsidence is confined to a radius of 120m, this was not the case: “As part of our ongoing monitoring, we have identified a further disturbance zone within the original 2 km sq area of investigation. This new zone does not include properties outside of Gyproc’s own land, any houses or buildings in the area, and nor does it affect the original five homes, GAA club, or roads previously identified.”
The company say they will continue to survey the area: “We continue to monitor a 2 km sq area around the original zone of disturbance which includes the area where, overnight, we identified this new disturbance.”
Monaghan County Council said a scheduled aerial survey carried out on October 3 identified evidence of further subsidence outside the 120m radius disturbance zone established by Gyproc Ireland Limited, but within the original 2km area of assessment.
Carmel Thornton, the AO Corporate Services with Monaghan County Council said in a statement: “This discovery reaffirms the need to maintain a safety cordon around the perimeter of the former underground mine at Drumgossat. Technical assessments are ongoing and Monaghan County Council anticipates receiving a detailed geological assessment report prepared by Gyproc Ireland Limited early next week.”
The local authority say that in the interests of public safety the Carrickmacross/Kingscourt Road (R179) will remain closed from Drumgossat Crossroads to O’Rourke’s Filling Station at Drummond. In addition, the LP4900 to Drumgossat will also remain closed to traffic. The road closures will remain in place until the detailed technical assessments confirm that they are safe for public use.
Traffic between Carrickmacross and Kingscourt is being diverted via Shercock. Monaghan County Council appeals to local residents to adhere to the one-way system that is in place around Drumgossat school.
Doran Motors and Treacy’s Hotel are fully accessible from Carrickmacross using the R179 regional road. O’Rourke’s filling station, Ciaran McConnon Motors and Cabra Castle Hotel are accessible from Kingscourt using the R179 or local diversionary routes.
The Gyproc statement concluded by saying: “Our teams continue to work diligently with relevant authorities and have notified them in accordance with all our licence requirements and we will also continue to communicate with the local community and provide updates as and when we can. As always, our focus is on supporting the community that we have been part of for over 80 years.”