asked the Minister for the Environment if he has considered the environmental implications of the prospecting for gold which is widely taking place throughout the west of Ireland; whether he has had correspondence from a group called Mining Awareness in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Gold Prospecting.
44.
Mineral prospecting would not normally be considered to have significant effects on the environment. It is controlled by the Minerals Development Acts, 1940 to 1979 and licences under those Acts may be granted upon such terms and conditions as the Minister for Energy thinks proper. I have had no correspondence from a group called Mining Awareness.