asked the Minister for Energy the plans, if any, he has for the development of the Leinster coalfields in particular the mines at Rossmore and Slatt in counties Offaly and Laois; if he will consider that such development be included as either a State or Joint Venture Job Creation Project under the terms of the Programme for National Recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Leinster Coalfields.
27.
Prospecting licences have been granted by my Department over most of the Leinster Coalfield and I expect to be in a position to grant further licences there in the near future. I hope that in due course new mining development will result from these prospecting operations.
I met representatives of the ITGWU recently and received a submission from them regarding future development of the coalfield, particularly in relation to the underground mine at Rossmore and the partially developed mine at Slatt Upper. I am advised by the Geological Survey of my Department that because of technical and economic factors it would not be feasible to conduct further underground mining operations at Rossmore on an economic basis. My Department have advertised the availability of the Slatt Upper areas for mining/prospecting facilities. Applications from interested parties are being assessed at present.
My Department will continue to provide the fullest possible information and support to prospecting and mining interests operating in the coalfield. However, any proposals for State financial support would be more appropriate for consideration by State agencies with a direct function in relation to the funding of industrial development rather than by my Department which have no such funds at their disposal.