asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if he will take immediate steps to expedite the development of the coal resources of the Leinster coalfield with particular reference to the re-opening of Crettyard coalfield; in view of the urgent need to provide employment in south Laois and the need to provide native fuel in the national interest.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Leinster Coalfield.
17.
Contacts with two British companies are being actively pursued at present with a view to a joint underground/ open-cast coal development at the Rossmore — Crettyard — mine which is in the hands of a liquidator at present. It is my expectation that the interests concerned will make an early decision as to whether they will make an offer to the liquidator to purchase the mine.
There are two small coalmining operations in the Castlecomer area at present and a local enterprise has recently commenced site development work in the townland of Slatt Upper, County Laois preparatory to underground coalmining operations there. There have been some indications of interest in coalmining in other parts of the Leinster coalfield but it is too early yet to say whether mine development will result.
I expect to receive shortly from a firm of leading British coalmining consultants an up-dated assessment of the Irish coal reserves, including the reserves in the Leinster coalfield. When this report is received I expect to be in a position to consider what further steps are necessary to secure the fullest possible development of the coalfield.