asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will utilise the services of the mineral experts now in the country to examine, with a view to development, the mining areas in County Leitrim and adjoining counties where there is evidence of the existence of deposits of copper, silica clays, coal, iron, lead and other minerals, some of which occur in abundance.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers (resumed). - Leitrim Mineral Development.
The Deputy will appreciate that any such experts as he mentions are operating on behalf of private enterprise and that it is a matter for the experts and their principals to decide which areas they will examine. I may say, however, that visiting experts invariably contact the Geological Survey. The Geological Survey has a considerable amount of information about mineral deposits in the areas referred to by the Deputy, and this information has been brought to the notice of all persons likely to be interested in undertaking minerals exploration and development work in these areas. I may also say that a digest of information on the subject has already been given at their request to an industrial development group from County Leitrim and that the same facility will be extended to any other group.