The Department has no applications for new prospecting licences in the Connemara electoral area. In March 2019, Gold Note Minerals requested an extension of three existing prospecting licences that it has held since 21 June 2013. My intention to renew these licences was published in The Connacht Tribune on 26 July 2019 and was open for consultation for 30 days. These licences cover the following townlands in Galway: Breenaun, Carrowgarriff, Claggan, Cornamona, Cur, Derreen, Dooghta, Dooros, Drumsnauv, Farnaght, Glenlusk, Griggins, Kilmeelickin, Lee, Maum West, Moneenmore, Munterowen East, Munterowen Middle, Raigh, Teernakill North, and Teernakill South. Details, including a map of the licence areas, were available for inspection at Clifden and Maum Garda stations, Galway County Council offices, and at the Geological Survey Ireland office in Dublin. The notice was also published on my Department's website. The application remains under consideration by my Department and a decision is expected in the coming weeks.