asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that substantial deposits of barytes exist in the Clonakilty district, County Cork; and, if so, what steps are being taken to develop them for the export market.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Development of Barytes Deposits in Clonakilty Area.
6.
I am aware that there are deposits of barytes in State-ownership in the Clonakilty district of Co. Cork. Information relating to these deposits is contained in the Geological Survey Office publication entitled "Barytes in Ireland". The exploitation of the deposits, to the extent to which they are commercially workable, is, of course, a matter for private enterprise under and in accordance with the necessary licences or leases under the Minerals Development Acts, 1940 and 1960. In the past three years one prospecting licence and one State mining permission have been issued for the exploration and development of these deposits; and a State mining lease of the deposits is now in course of preparation for issue to a company which has applied for a lease in order to work the deposits.