Wicklow residents rally for information as lithium exploration concerns intensify

By Hugh O'Farrell Walsh, The Wicklow People

Concerns over lithium exploration on the Wicklow–Carlow border have intensified as Wicklow–Wexford TD Brian Brennan reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that residents of Moylisha Hill are fully informed about any developments.

Deputy Brennan facilitated a long‑awaited meeting between the Protect Moylisha Hill committee and representatives of Blackstairs Lithium, the company holding the prospecting licence for the area.

The meeting, held in Arklow, brought together committee members Anthony McNulty and Annette Roban with company representatives John Harrop and Emmett Hart.

Deputy Brennan said the people living around Moylisha Hill have been left in a state of uncertainty for far too long. He noted that, while lithium exploration is still at an early stage, the lack of clear communication has fuelled anxiety about the future of the landscape, the environment, and the community.

Left to right: Emmett Hart and John Harrop (Blackstairs Lithium), Wicklow TD Brian Brennan, Anthony McNulty and Annette Roban (Protect Moylisha Hill).

He stressed that residents deserve transparency and timely updates, particularly when activity has been reported on the hill without any prior notice to those living nearby.

According to Deputy Brennan, the meeting did not produce any major update on the technical progress of the project, but it did result in a commitment from Blackstairs Lithium to establish a regular communication channel with the community.

The company agreed to issue an update in September, followed by further updates every six months, a move Deputy Brennan described as “essential for rebuilding trust”.

The local TD emphasised that the people of Moylisha Hill must be “armed with the information they need” to protect their area and to understand what, if anything, may be planned for the future.

Deputy Brennan’s involvement has been welcomed by residents who have long felt that their concerns were not being adequately acknowledged by the company or by national authorities.

Committee chairman Anthony McNulty said that the meeting marked the first meaningful engagement with Blackstairs Lithium after a long period of silence.

He described a “significant lack of information” surrounding the project, noting that residents have been left to rely on rumours, conflicting reports, and unverified accounts of activity on the hill.

He expressed hope that the new communication channel will provide clarity and allow residents to understand the timeline, scope, and potential impact of any exploration work.

Mr McNulty also highlighted the community’s deep concern for the natural environment of Moylisha Hill, an area known for its scenic beauty, biodiversity, and cultural significance.

He said residents are determined to ensure that any exploration or potential future development does not compromise the health and safety of those living nearby or damage the habitats of local flora and fauna.

The Protect Moylisha Hill Committee has been active in gathering information, organising residents, and pressing public representatives for support.

Mr McNulty said the group is grateful for Mr Brennan’s continued involvement, noting that he has kept the promise he made during his election campaign to stand with the community on this issue.

He said that Mr Brennan has made a significant difference in ensuring that residents’ voices are heard.

The situation at Moylisha Hill reflects the national conversation about mineral exploration in Ireland, particularly as global demand for critical minerals increases.

While prospecting licences do not grant permission to mine, they often raise concerns in rural communities about what might follow.