asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that in Glandore, County Cork, there are deposits of ore, high in manganese, silica and iron content, comparing favourably with imported ore used here in the manufacture of steel; and, if so, if he will arrange to have surveys carried out with a view to the development of this valuable natural asset.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork Ore Deposits.
From the information available to me in respect of the mineral deposits in the area of Glandore, County Cork, I am satisfied that no useful purpose would be served by having a further survey made of these deposits since all the indications are that they do not offer any reasonable scope for commercial development.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say from what source the information was supplied, whether it was an official investigation constituted by him?
Mr. Murphy
Will the Parliamentary Secretary say if this matter was ever put before the last Government and what action the Fianna Fáil Minister for Industry and Commerce took?
He set up a company which went smash.
The Fianna Fáil Government engaged a firm of consultants in 1939 and their report disclosed that there was no prospect of economic development of any deposits there. The geological survey proceeding on that report made investigations in 1940 and the recommendations were adverse.
Did the adverse report come as a result of the quantities of ore there or deficiencies in the quality of the ore?
I have not read the report and I cannot answer the specific point put by the Deputy.