asked the Minister for Energy if he is satisfied that sufficient effort is being made to develop our anthracite mines in view of the demand for smokeless fuel.
Written Answers. - Anthracite Mines Development.
20.
I am satisfied with the efforts being made to develop the country's anthracite resources and I am hopeful that in due course they will result in an expansion of mining activity in the coalfields. A report on the Irish coalfields commisioned by my Department and widely distributed has clearly generated interest in the coalfields. The geological, prospecting and mining lease services provided by my Department have been availed of to an increasing extent in recent years by intersted parties.
There are three mines operating under State mining facilities in the Leinster coalfield. In addition prospecting licences have been issued over a number of areas while other applications for both prospecting and mining facilities are being processed in my Department at present. Mining operations over the Slievardagh coalfield have ceased since the operating company was put into receivership. I understand however that the receiver, following advertisement of the availability of the State mining lease for sale, is dealing with a substantial number of applications from interested parties but is not yet in a position to make a proposal with regard to assignment of the lease. Prospecting facilities have been granted over areas of the Munster coalfield where no mining operations are presently been carried on.