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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 16 Nov 1972

Vol. 263 No. 10

Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Laois Prospecting Licences.

88.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will make a statement in regard to the lead and zinc deposits in the Rathdowney area, County Laois; if surveys have been concluded and when mining will be in operation; and the amount of employment likely to result from this development.

Prospecting licences have been granted for ground within a radius of five miles of Rathdowney. A total of nine prospecting licences is involved. Particulars of these licences are shown in the report under the Minerals Development Acts laid before the House on 20th October, 1972.

Licensees are required to carry out a work programme in each licence area and to lodge annual reports of work done under licences. The information contained in these reports is confidential unless the licensee agrees to its release and the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be proper for me to disclose the result of the investigations carried out so far. Investigation of the area is continuing. Pending completion of investigations it will not be possible to state whether the current prospecting will result in the establishment of a mine.

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