Are there any rules or laws about access to abandoned and disused mines in Northern Ireland which are different to the UK?

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Don't get caught? :lol:

:offtopic:

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Beware on any strange packages.

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Not aware of any variation in law between NI and mainland - H.M.Inspectors of Mines covered both areas, the same inspectors covering Ireland (latterly NI) and parts of the mainland. The key post-war legislation regarding abandoned mines seems to be UK-wide in its scope - i.e. including NI.

Having caved both sides of the NI/Eire border (but not gone mine exploring on the Emerald Isle), I can offer the advice that there are far fewer caves (and presumably mine explorers too) and hence landowners are often genuinely interested (or even puzzled), but usually very pleasant and accommodating (but don't blame me if you meet the rare exceptions!).

May be worth making contact with the Mining Heritage Trust of Ireland (the national umbrella body which publishes a good journal) - they might be able to give some pointers. In the north, there are a couple of caving clubs active in the Fermanagh area that might have a foot in mine exploration in NI; best to ask on ukcaving.

Maybe post on aditnow about your impressions and experiences when you return?

Thanks for the helpful comments. NAMHO is updating its mine exploration guidance and I was hoping for some useful information.

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Hello Pete

I was wondering this myself having just acquired a book on Iron Mines there and contemplating another trip across for Mrs T to see her relatives......

Thanks for the helpful comments. NAMHO is updating its mine exploration guidance and I was hoping for some useful information.

Pete,


Alistair Lings would be your best bet or Martin Critchley would probably give you better answers as there is a difference in Ireland

Mike

Thanks for the helpful comments. NAMHO is updating its mine exploration guidance and I was hoping for some useful information.

Ah! Now I understand why you were asking the question - I had mistakenly assumed that you were seeking information for a personal trip to NI.

Are there any rules or laws about access to abandoned and disused mines in Northern Ireland which are different to the UK?

Northern Ireland is part of the UK. Do you mean Great Britain?

:smartass:

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Are there any rules or laws about access to abandoned and disused mines in Northern Ireland which are different to the UK?

Northern Ireland is part of the UK. Do you mean Great Britain?

:smartass:

Ha! point taken........

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However they do operate in a different way in lots of things

Mike

All mines, used or disused, are under the control of the Geological Survey of NI - the mines inspector is Kieran Parker. In latter years H&S in NI have ruled that all abandoned mines should be sealed or, in a few cases in Co. Antrim where I have particularly asked for preservation, gated or grilled so access isn't as easy as it used to be.

Since my specialty is the Interbasaltic mines of Co. Antrim any queries in that direction can come to me.

Thankyou!

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Pete...... You have a pm.

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