asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether with regard to the survey and exploration in the Arigna area the points raised in a motion on the development of Arigna Mines (Official Report, Vol. 186, Col. 158) have been investigated; and, if so, if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Development of Arigna Mines.
8.
The answer to the first part of the Deputy's question is Yes.
I am advised that all the coal seams in the Connaught Coalfield are contained in the Millstone Grit formation which occurs on the high ground of the mountains surrounding Lough Allen. In the diamond drilling programme which is at present in progress, the borehole sites have been selected in places where coal seams have not already been proved by deep drilling or by adequate shaft sinking or mining.
The Arigna River has cut its course through the Yoredale Shale series which lies below the level of the coal-bearing beds of the Millstone Grit formation. The Yoredale Shale strata are barren of coal seams. Underlying the Yoredale Shale strata, occurs the carboniferous limestone formation which is also devoid of coal seams both in the Connaught Coalfield district and elsewhere in this country.
I am advised, therefore, that deep diamond drilling for coal in Yoredale Shale and Carboniferous Limestone of the Lough Allen district would be fruitless and boring for coal under the Arigna River could not be justified on geological grounds.