andMr. Cluskey asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will comment on the possibility of expanding mining operations in this country within the next 12 months.
19.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mining Operations.
18.
andMr. Cluskey asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will make a statement on the relation between Government investment in mining and the private enterprise company operating at Tynagh, County Galway and regarding the future of the mining industry in Ireland and the future of public investment in this sector of the economy.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 19 together.
It is the policy of the Government not to participate directly in mineral exploration and development but to provide adequate facilities and incentives to private mining concerns to engage in such activities. The effectiveness of this policy is reflected in the steadily increasing number of prospecting licences granted in recent years and the important discoveries already made. I am satisfied that it is providing for the thorough and efficient exploration and development of our mineral resources. The operating company at Tynagh, County Galway, hold a State mining lease, particulars of which are shown in the six monthly reports furnished by me to the House under section 77 of the Minerals Development Act, 1940. The company did not receive any financial assistance from the State. In the next 12 months some 40 companies will be prospecting in some 470 licence areas, averaging ten square miles. In addition to the mines including those at Tynagh and Gortdrum which are, at present, in operation, the mine at Silvermines, County Tipperary is scheduled to come into operation in April, 1968 and detailed investigation of the discovery at Keel, County Longford is continuing.