asked the Minister for Industry and Energy whether exploration licences which were granted recently in County Donegal allow for uranium prospecting; and whether, in view of the recent research report on uranium development in Donegal, he will ensure that no uranium exploration is undertaken in the county.
Written Answers. - Exploration Licences.
328.
Exploration licences granted recently in County Donegal permit the holders to explore for all minerals, including uranium. However, 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. The main interest of current licence holders in the County is in exploring for other minerals such as lead, zinc, barytes, gold, tin and tungsten.
The Nuclear Energy Board who are the statutory body concerned with radiation safety, have advised that the research report to which the Deputy refers, does not adduce evidence which would cause the board to change its frequently stated views on these matters that there is no radiological hazard associated with uranium prospecting. In the circumstances, I do not consider that a prohibition on uranium prospecting is warranted.