asked the Minister for Energy the latest information available to his Department on possible gold finds in the Galway and Mayo areas; if any research has been undertaken as to possible methods of developing such resources, without causing environmental damage, especially in the light of the importance of tourism in these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Gold Finds.
16.
The publication of information on possible gold finds in the Galway and Mayo areas is a matter for the companies concerned.
Whilst I would be concerned, of course, that any mine development which may result from current prospecting operations would be carried out with full regard to the environment in the locality, this is not an aspect in which I would have a direct function. It would be a matter for the relevant planning authorities whose procedures and requirements would have to be satisfied prior to any mine development.
The Minister did not give much information on the extent of gold finds in the Galway and Mayo areas. When is it intended that extraction will commence or is it intended to develop the mines?
There are no applications for gold mining licences before me at present.
The Minister has received applications for exploration licences but none for extracting gold?
Exploration licences have been granted and the companies concerned are carrying out exploration but it has not reached a stage where an application for a mining licence has been received by me. Until such time as an application is received I will be unable to consider the type of matters which the Deputy raised.
Do I take it from the Minister's reply that since granting the exploration licences he has got no report whatever from these companies in regard to what they found or what they intend doing?
There is constant liaison between the Geological Survey Office and these companies but I do not receive a day to day report on these matters. Until such time as I receive an application for a mining licence I will not be in a position to consider the aspects raised by the Deputy.
Has the Minister any idea of what is happening in regard to mining exploration and, if so, is he saying the information he has is confidential or is he saying that he does not have the information in regard to current exploration, what is available, its extent, et cetera?
I do not have these details. In the normal course of events the exploration company carry out their exploration and eventually make an application for a mining licence which would incorporate quite a number of aspects including viability, the technology that would be used and all the other matters that are a long way down the road.
Does the Minister not have any idea of what is there until he gets an application?
I may well have an idea but I very much doubt if the Deputy would be receptive to my ideas.
Does the Minister have information?
Certain information is available which would have to be assessed before it could be put in concrete terms.