The group implementing clean-up recommendations at Silvermines, Co Tipperary, following an investigation into lead pollution has expressed its concern at the Government's failure to pay for remedial measures.
In its latest report, the Implementation Group for Silvermines (IGS) says the completion of management and rehabilitation plans for disused mining sites and other areas with elevated lead concentrations depend "on provision of adequate resources".
The Minister for Agriculture, Mr Walsh, and the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, Mr Fahey, in particular are named as having failed to respond to recommendations contained in the group's first progress report last May.
This followed a year-long investigation, led by the Environmental Protection Agency, of the effects of leaching and dust blows from a dried-out tailings pond and more general lead pollution near the north Tipperary village.
The IGS, which has representatives from the two departments, says members are "concerned and disappointed". It renews the request that the two Ministers "provide adequate resources to ensure the effective and timely implementation of the recommendations".
The Department of the Marine has denied it is ignoring the work of the IGS.
The implementation group also wants powers under the Mineral Development Acts to be invoked so that Mogul Ireland, which operated a zinc mine over 25 years, is compelled to carry out rehabilitation works on two mining sites it operated up to 1982.
North Tipperary County Council, also represented on the group, further states it is "not fully happy" with arrangements put in place by Mogul Ireland, now a subsidiary of Ennex International, to prevent dust blows.
Labour party senator Ms Kathleen O'Meara, who is also a member of the county council, said the Government response had been shameful.
"They had lots of time on it. The inter-agency group signalled the urgency of this matter. The council was told this would be acted upon as soon as possible."
The Department of the Marine said foot-and-mouth disease restrictions and inconclusive sampling results last year impeded the development of management and rehabilitation plans.
The Department of Agriculture said resources put into foot-and-mouth prevention had meant other matters being accorded a lesser priority.
"The Department will be responding, as appropriate to the two most recent reports of the Implementation Group".