The Planning Appeals Commission has refused to reopen discussion on concerns that blasting at the proposed Dalradian gold mine in County Tyrone could disturb graves and damage historic churches.

Local clergy had raised the concerns in a letter to Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. The letter focused on the proximity of the proposed mining operation to parish properties in Rouskey and Greencastle.

The priests said blasting could place graves at both locations at risk of disturbance or collapse. They warned that any impact on burial plots would cause untold emotional and psychological distress to bereaved families whose loved ones are interred there.

Concerns were also expressed about possible structural damage to St Mary's Church in Rouskey and St Patrick's Church in Greencastle, as well as potential risks to Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School.

Third-party objector Martin Treacy raised the matter at the public inquiry on Thursday. He said the concerns expressed by the priests, and supported by Bishop of Derry Donal McKeown, were important and should be discussed during the inquiry.

However, Commissioner Kieran Donaghey said the potential impact on St Mary's Church had already been examined during the cultural heritage section of the inquiry earlier this year.

He said there had been representations made on the issue of St Mary's in Rouskey and he did not see the need to reopen that. He reiterated that he would not hear further evidence or consider the clergymen's letter.

The public inquiry into the proposed gold mine is ongoing.