asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if any recent survey of the mineral deposits in Counties Cavan and Monaghan has been carried out; and, if so, whether it is proposed to initiate any steps to secure the exploitation of such mineral deposits.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mineral Deposits.
There has been no recent general survey of the mineral deposits in Counties Monaghan and Cavan, but these areas have been examined by the geological survey on a number of occasions in the past and reports have been published. In addition more recent information based on inspections is available.
The exploitation and commercial development of minerals is, of course, a matter for private enterprise, and interested parties will be facilitated in obtaining information from records available for public inspection in the Geological Survey Office.
There have been, in recent years, special investigations of the gypsum and anhydrite deposits in the Counties Cavan and Monaghan. Consideration of the results has been proceeding but I am not yet in a position to state what action may be taken.