asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will arrange for a survey of the copper mines at Hollyford, County Tipperary, with a view to having them reopened.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Survey of Copper Mines.
The deposit to which the Deputy refers was examined in 1951, and the information which was obtained is made available by the Geological Survey Office to any person who is interested in the deposit. The Deputy will understand that development is a matter for private enterprise. I am, however, prepared to bring the results of the examination and other available information about the deposit to the notice of persons who may make inquiries as to the existence of copper deposits, and I will also be prepared to grant any necessary facilities under the Minerals Development Act, 1940, in relation to this deposit, to an applicant who can satisfy the customary conditions as to financial and technical resources.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will arrange for an investigation of the possibility of reopening the copper mines in Beara, County Cork.
The development of mineral deposits is primarily a matter for private enterprise, and under the Minerals Development Act, 1940, I am empowered to grant to persons, possessing adequate financial and technical resources, facilities for the exploitation, development and working of mineral deposits. At present, private interests are in fact in touch with my Department in regard to the grant of facilities for certain areas in West Cork, including the Beara peninsula, and certain applications for facilities are under examination.