andS. Flynn asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state, in relation to the Arigna area, whether a survey of mining potentialities has been made recently and, if not, whether arrangements for such a survey are at present under consideration.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Survey of Mineral Deposits.
Surveys and examinations of the mineral potentialities of the Arigna area have been made by the Geological Survey on many occasions and as recently as 1951 and 1953. The information obtained as a result of these surveys and examinations is made available by the Geological Survey Office to any person who is interested in exploring or developing the mineral deposits of the area. The Deputies will appreciate that the work of exploring and developing mineral deposits is a matter for private enterprise and, under the Minerals Development Act, 1940, I am empowered to grant facilities for such work to persons who can satisfy the customary conditions as to financial and technical resources.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether it is proposed to exploit the iron deposits at Araglen, Fermoy, and, if so, what is the present position in the matter.
The Geological Survey has no record of the existence of iron deposits at Araglen, Fermoy. There is, however, an old ore-dump in the district which is believed to have resulted from the smelting of imported iron ore in the seventeenth century. I am advised that this old dump is unlikely to be of economic significance.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, in view of the recent statement by a mining expert, who is attached to the group at present developing the Avoca mines, that Ireland has turned out to be a mining centre of untold value, he will arrange for such experts to survey the mining potentialities of the western areas where unemployment and emigration are greatest.
The areas have been surveyed already by the Geological Survey and I will arrange that the information which was obtained as a result of these surveys will be brought to the notice of any person or group interested in undertaking minerals exploration or development work in the areas.
The Deputy will appreciate that the examination of the mining potentialities of the areas to which he has referred is a matter for private enterprise.