New sinkhole discovered in Co Monaghan

Published by Niall Sargent on December 21, 2018December 21, 2018

December 21st, 2018

A new nine-metre sinkhole has been found in Co Monaghan close to where a 100-meter sized sinkhole opened up September.

The hole was found on land owned by Gyproc, an Irish plaster and plasterboard manufacturer that owns the disused Drumgossatt mine underneath that area of land.

Yesterday evening, Monaghan County Council said it has taken the precaution to close the local LP4900 road at Drumgossat, Magheracloone as the sinkhole is just 35 meters from the road.

The 100-meter sized sinkhole that damaged two football pitches at Magheracloone GAA club in September was likely caused by the collapse of pillars in a disused mining shaft in the area.

Gyproc commissioned an independent technical report to investigate the possible causes of the sinkhole. The report indicated that there was the possibility of further subsidence in this zone as the ground settled over the coming weeks.

120m disturbance zone

Initial findings from the September report indicates that recent mining operations to transport and store water in an old part of the mine resulted in the collapse of some mining pillars.

“Gyproc is in regular contact with the relevant experts from Monaghan County Council and other authorities to assess the situation and ensure appropriate support measures are in place to minimise disruption,” a company statement said at the time.

Magheracloone GAA said that the club was “truly devastated” by the incident and has started a GoFundMe campaign to source and set up temporary facilities. Over €10,000 has been raised to date.

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