asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of proposals for mining development in County Laois and County Offaly; if so, if he will state the locations and mining prospects; and when it is likely that there will be developments in regard to any such proposals.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Laois-Offaly Mining Development.
30.
A total of 51 prospecting licences are currently in operation in the Laois-Offaly area. Particulars of these licences are set out in my half-yearly report, for the six months ended 30th June, 1971, laid before the Oireachtas in accordance with the provisions of the Minerals Development Acts, 1940 and 1960. I have published my intention of granting a further 22 licences. In addition, applications in respect of virtually all the remaining ground, with the exception of the Slieve Bloom area, are being processed in my Department. Full information on prospecting carried out under current licences in the area is lodged with my Department but, so far, no discovery of commercial value has been announced and I am not aware at this stage of any proposals for the development of mines in the area.