PICTURE: Massive Sinkhole Appears Near Kilkenny Mine

Ireland’s mad weather this year has seen all sorts of problems for us across the country – sinkholes being one of them. This week a large sinkhole, that’s nine metres deep and 15 metres wide, appeared near Galmoy Mine in Kilkenny. Sinkholes are sudden gaping holes that are usually caused by erosion in the bedrock, quite often due to heavy rain, the ground then collapses into itself and leaves an opening on the surface. RTÉ posted the image online, writing that assessments were being carried out to determine the cause of the sinkhole. Located near the Galmoy lead and zinc mine, in a statement this afternoon, Vice President Technical Services Steve Gatley said that the mining company was co-operating with the land owner and that they had cordoned off the surrounding area. According to RTÉ, the company said that it will "also be investigating the matter fully over the coming days with independent hydro-geological and geotechnical support."