asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if it is the intention of his Department to resume exploration for uranium in Donegal; and, if so, when; and who will finance the venture.
Written Answers. - Uranium Exploration.
517.
My Department were not directly involved in uranium exploration in County Donegal, but facilitated prospecting for uranium in the county by exploration companies, through the issue to them of minerals prospecting licences. This activity was funded by the private interests themselves aided, in the case of three companies, by the European Economic Community under Article 70 of the Euratom Treaty.
There has been no active exploration for uranium since 1981 and I understand that there is little prospect of such activity being resumed in the foreseeable future. If it were to resume it would be funded by exploration companies aided, possibly, by the Community.