Vol. 236 No. 14
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if any tunnel construction or similar work has been undertaken or completed in Saint Patrick's Copper Mines, Avoca since the closure of the mines; if so, by whom and for what purpose; and if he will make a statement on the present position and potential of this site.
103.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the continuing ill-effect on the Rathdrum-Aughrim-Avoca region of the closure of Saint Patrick's Copper Mines; and if he will make a detailed statement on his Department's attitude to possible future employment in mining in this area.
With your permission, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 102 and 103 together.
St. Patrick's Copper Mines have been kept on a care and maintenance basis since its closure in 1962 with a view to exploring the possibility of resumption of mining.
An option exercisable over a period of 30 months to purchase the assets of St. Patrick's Copper Mines Ltd. was granted on 16th September, 1966 to an international consortium. The consortium are carrying out a study of the mines' potential to enable them to decide on the feasibility of resuming mining operations. Under the agreement with the consortium they are entitled to explore, develop, diamond drill and do such other mining work as they consider advisable to ascertain the potential of the mines. At this stage it would be inappropriate for me to make any statement as to the prospect of the mines being re-opened.
