asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he will furnish an estimate of the total reserves of coal at Ballingarry, County Tipperary; and the approximate value thereof.
119.
Written Answers. - Ballingarry (County Tipperary) Coal.
118.
asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he will consider the establishment of a new State agency or employ an existing semi-State Company to mine the coal deposits at Ballingarry, County Tipperary.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 118 and 119 together.
Recoverable coal reserves at Ballingarry mine were estimated at between 1.5 million and 2 million tons in October, 1972. However, it would not be possible without carrying out a detailed and expensive study of all potentially mineable areas in the locality to indicate the full extent and value of recoverable reserves at Ballingarry.
The information and advice available to me indicate that substantial State expenditure as envisaged in the Deputy's second question would not be justified. Discussions are at present taking place between the receiver and local interests, which I am hopeful will culminate in a resumption of mining operations at Ballingarry early in 1978.
120.
asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he will investigate the possibility of establishing an ESB power station in the general area of Ballingarry, County Tipperary, based on the substantial coal deposits in the location, thereby utilising an important natural resource and providing much needed employment in the district.
I am advised by the Electricity Supply Board that, having regard to the extent and the nature of the deposits in the Ballingarry area, the establishment there of a power station to utilise the deposits would not be practical. I would like to add, however, that the possibility of having mining activity resumed in the area is still being actively pursued.