asked the Minister for Industry and Energy how many applications for mining coal are currently before the Mining Board; the date on which each application was received; the identity of each applicant; and the area to which each application relates.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Coal Mining Applications.
Applications for the mining of coal are not dealt with by the Mining Board. However, the board's functions include the consideration of applications made to them under section 15 of the Minerals Development Act, 1979 for the registration of minerals, including coal, as excepted minerals and this perhaps is what the Deputy has in mind. The question is being dealt with on that assumption and the reply is in the form of a tabular statement, which with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to circulate with the Official Report.
Following is the statement:
There are currently 16 applications before the Mining Board. Particulars of the identity of each applicant, the date of each application and the area to which each application refers are as follows:
Applications for the registration of coal reserves as excepted minerals under section 15 of the Minerals Development Act, 1979
Applicant |
Date of Application |
Area |
Arigna Collieries Limited, |
16 April 1980 |
General Arigna Area |
Carrick-on-Shannon, |
||
Co. Roscommon. |
||
Philip Duffy, |
25 April 1980 |
Kilronan Mountain |
Upper Rover, |
Co. Roscommon. |
|
Arigna. |
||
Aghacashel Collieries Limited, |
24 April 1980 |
Gubnaveagh and |
Gubnaveagh, |
Knockacullion, |
|
Co. Leitrim. |
Co. Leitrim. |
|
Lynns Sligo Coal Mining Limited, |
28 April 1980 |
Crawhill, Derrysallagh, Aughnacloy, |
(In liquidation) |
Foyogues, Glen and Rover, |
|
Co. Sligo. |
||
Connaught Collieries Limited, |
25 April 1980 |
Barnameenagh, Co. Leitrim. |
Upper Rover, |
||
Arigna, |
||
Co. Roscommon. |
||
Kilronan Collieries Limited, |
25 April 1980 |
Kilronan Mountain, |
Upper Rover, |
Co. Roscommon. |
|
Arigna. |
||
Flynn & Lehany Coal Mines Limited, |
25 April 1980 |
Greaghnageeragh, Gubbarudda, Aghacashel, Glackaundarragh Roscommon/Leitrim. |
Upper Rover, |
||
Arigna. |
||
Peter A. Connellan, |
28 April 1980 |
Altiquinn Co. Leitrim. |
Strokestown, |
||
Co. Roscommon. |
||
Hugh J. Rorke, |
22 April 1980 |
Mooneenreave, Co. Leitrim. |
Strokestown, |
||
Co. Roscommon. |
||
James Greene, |
28 April, 1980 |
Kilronan Mountain, |
Carnalth, |
Co. Roscommon. |
|
Arigna. |
||
Swiss Plant Hire (Ireland) Lim- |
28 April 1980 |
Ballynashee, Straduff, Tullynure, |
ited/Geevagh Collieries Limited, |
Co. Sligo |
|
Co. Sligo. |
||
Robert McGregor and Sons Ireland Limited |
25 April 1980 |
Slatt Upper, Doonane, Kilgory, Farnans, Ardra, Castlecomer |
69/71 St. Stephens Green, Dublin. |
Demesne, Aghaterry and Turra. |
|
Robert McGregor & Sons Ireland Limited |
25 April 1980 |
Coolbawn, Kiltown, Moyhora, Aghamucky, Crutt, Loon Co. |
69/71 St. Stephens Green, Dublin. |
Kilkenny. |
|
Rossmore Anthracite Limited, Arigna, |
19 April 1980 |
Townland of Clogrennen, part of the Townlands of |
Co. Roscommon. |
Rossmore, Ardenfeggle and |
|
Coorlaghan in Co. Laois. |
||
Flemings Fireclay Limited, |
29 April,1980 |
Moyadd, Aghadreen, Knockacrin |
Athy, |
and Slatt Lower, Co. Laois. |
|
Co. Kildare. |
||
Flemings Fireclay Limited, |
29 April, 1980 |
Slatt Lower and Ballylehane |
Athy, Co. Kildare. |
Upper, |
|
Co. Laois. |
Again, not wishing to embarrass the Minister, can he say whether he gives preference to Irish interests in these applications? There are some Irish interests who have some experience in this area and I understand that there have been applications from some cross-channel interests also. Without adopting the all-embracing phraseology that the Minister used in replying to the last question, does he give preference to Irish interests or has he adopted any position in relation to nationality in these matters.
I always encourage Irish interests in every sphere provided that the job can be done.