Statement from Kilkenny County Council and Department of Natural Resources

'A sinkhole occurred in the proximity of Galmoy Mine on Saturday 15 February, some 300+ metres from the mine office buildings and nearest infrastructure. Following notification from the landowner, the mining company, Lundin Mining, notified the authorities (Kilkenny County Council, the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and the EPA) on Saturday of the incident and immediately secured the field to prevent access.

Following an inspection, Kilkenny County Council also closed the nearby road, some 200 metres away as a precautionary measure.
The company is maintaining 24 hour security at the site. It is not believed there any public safety issues involved.

Officials from Kilkenny County Council ,the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and EPA are on site and investigating the matter with a view to identifying the necessary follow-up action.