Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
UNHOLY ROW SHAMEFUL
Statue defaced & intimidation in gold mine village Strange goings Residents fear on at night..burnt ‘dark forces’ bid to cars and web trolls stop their protests
initials of the head of each house was penned beside them.
This map was made public when the Canadian firm’s gold mine application was uploaded to Northern Ireland’s planning portal.
Dalradian has defended itself saying the map was “used to ensure we were respecting the wishes of residents in receiving or not receiving communications from the company”. But one man, who claims his initials and home was highlighted, told how it has left families worried.
He said: “The vast majority of people’s houses that are identified are 100% against the mine.
“We are concerned. It is a very sinister situation, many people with young children are very worried for their safety. They want to know who authorised the initialling of their names beside their houses in the map lodged with the Department of Infrastructure in November 2017.
“We’ve had cars burned out up here and the statue of Mary at Crockanboy was attacked.”
The Greencastle man, who wishes to remain anonymous, made no suggestion as to who was responsible.
There is no suggestion the company is linked to any wrongdoing.
In relation to the map, the man has called on Dalradian to publicly apologise and properly explain why they had the details of those residents highlighted.
He asked: “Why was this done. Who did it and who authorised it?”
Green Party spokesman for West Tyrone Ciaran Mcclean has described the reports as “nothing short of sinister”.
He added: “I would advise those whose name appears on the map to seek legal advice.
“The European Convention on Human Rights includes the right to respect for your family and private life, your home and your correspondence.
“I call on the PSNI to investigate these allegations and to take action if an offence has been committed.”
CO TYRONE YESTERDAY