asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is yet in a position to state the Government's decision with regard to the future of the Avoca copper mines.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Avoca Copper Mines.
31.
I have practically completed my examination of the consultants' report on St. Patrick's Copper Mines. It should be possible to reach a decision concerning the future of the mines at an early date and an announcement in the matter will be made as soon as possible.
32.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that many of those formerly employed at the Avoca copper mines are still without employment; and if there is any prospect of local employment for them in the near future.
I am aware that some former employees of the St. Patrick's Copper Mines, Avoca, are still without employment but the information available to me indicates that these persons are being gradually absorbed into other employment, locally and elsewhere in the country. Development work on the nitrogenous fertiliser factory at Arklow, on which some fifty of the former employees of the copper mines are now employed, may be expected to provide further employ-As indicated in my reply to a question by the Deputy on 27th November, 1962, I will be pleased to give every ment opportunities. I am aware also of three industrial proposals for neighbouring areas.
possible encouragement and assistance to any sound proposals that may be formulated by local or other interests for the establishment of industries in the Avoca area.