asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he has requested the Slievardagh Development Company to examine the deposits of coal in the Rossmore and Killeshin areas of County Carlow; and, if so, whether he is in a position to state whether the investigation has commenced, and how the matter of the development of the deposits now stands.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Carlow Coal Deposits.
The Slievardagh Coalfield Company, Ltd., has been asked to examine the Carlow-Killeshin portion of the Leinster coalfield.
The investigation is still in its preliminary stages, and the matter of development of the deposits will not arise until the investigation has been completed.
Will the Minister say whether examination has already commenced on the site?
No, in so far as the investigation might lead to the production of coal. In our present circumstances the Deputy must appreciate that the difficulties in maintaining coal production are due to scarcity of skilled coal workers and mining equipment. In so far as they can be made available, they can be best utilised where coal is already being worked rather than in the development of new areas.
Will the Minister say whether any borings have in fact been made or commenced in this particular area?
I could not answer that question. I do not know.