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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 May 1972

Vol. 261 No. 3

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Laois Coalmines.

18.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the position in relation to the proposed reopening of Rossmore coalmines, County Laois, in view of the wide-spread unemployment in the district; and if there are prospects that these mines may be in production in the near future.

I am hopeful that negotiations now at an advanced stage will be successful and lead to the reopening of the mines with the least possible delay.

Has the Minister any idea how long it will be before the mines are reopened and could he say what number will be employed after they are reopened? What steps have been taken over the past 12 months by the IDA with regard to the reopening of these mines?

As I said in my reply, negotiations with regard to the reopening of the mines are at an advanced stage. Discussions have been going on since January with an interested party. I am not in a position at the moment to say when a satisfactory end to these negotiations will be arrived at.

How long have the mines been closed?

A little less than two years.

How many were rendered unemployed as a result of their closure?

Something in the region of 80 to 100 people.

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