asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if there are any indications that the development of mineral resources in West Cork is being re-activated; and, if so, if he will give details.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - West Cork Mineral Resources.
27.
Ten prospecting licences in respect of a total area of 93½ square miles in West Cork and one State mining lease of barytes covering an area of 397 acres are currently valid. Reports of prospecting furnished to me are confidential and I am not in a position to comment on the likelihood of mines being reopened or new mines being established.
I might add that, apart from the present intensive propecting, West Cork received much attention in the past. Several of its more promising occurrences have already been investigated and some are still under examination but, so far, economic exploitation has not resulted.
Is the Minister aware that a company is actively engaged at the moment in investigating mining interests there?
As I have said, there are ten prospecting licences there.
I understand.
I would not be in a position to comment on the question of——
Surely the Minister would be aware if a certain company was actively engaged at the moment in developing a mine there?
In developing a mine?
Yes.
No, there has been no lease issued for mine development.