asked the Minister for Energy the number of prospecting licences at present in force in County Clare; the areas, if any, where investigations are in progress; the results of prospecting in the county to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Prospecting Licences.
45.
There is one prospecting licence currently in force in County Clare and the renewal for a further term of a second licence is under consideration. They are to facilitate the investigation of the minerals potential of the townland of Moyriesk and surrounding townlands to the northeast of Ennis.
My Department is considering applications for new prospecting licences over three other areas in the county.
When certain financial requirements have been met I expect to be in a position to grant State mining permissions to two companies to develop deposits of industrial minerals in County Clare.