Probe sought over animal toxic levels

FARMERS in North Tipperary have called on the Government for a full investigation of the finding of high levels of toxic substances in animals on farms in the Silvermines area.

Tests have shown several animals on farms in the vicinity of the disused old lead mines at Silvermines with above normal levels of lead. On one farm, almost half the animals tested had high lead levels.

There has been ongoing concern among farmers in the area who believe that the 149 acre tailings pond, a residue from lead mining in the area over 50 years ago, may be responsible for their problems which have led to deaths of a number of animals. But no direct link with the lead residue has been established and former international mining company Mogul have denied that the source of the problem is the tailing pond.