A Synoptic Overview of the Avoca-Avonmore Catchment and the Mines

Abstract

As part of a long term study of the effects of the abandoned Cu-S mines at Avoca County Wicklow in Ireland a short overview was created of the Avonmore-Avoca River Catchment including summaries of tributaries; topography and glaciation; geology; the Avoca ores and mineralization; history of the mines; and the sources of environmental problems arising from the abandoned mine site. The catchment is also characterized in terms of soils; buffering capacity; agriculture; forestry; industry; horticulture; aquaculture; food processing and climate. This short overview was created in 1995 and gives a detailed historical perspective of the situation in the catchment at that time.