Vol. 407 No. 6
40 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Energy if he will outline the current level of lead and zinc exploration underway in the country, especially in the Laois/Kilkenny area; if he is currently considering any application for mining licences in respect of exploration projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
At present a total of 570 prospecting licences are held by some 60 exploration companies in the State. The majority of these licences are granted for the generality of minerals, which allows the licence holders to explore for any mineral including lead and zinc. In counties Laois and Kilkenny there are 32 such prospecting licences held by ten companies. The Deputy will be aware from media coverage that a number of occurrences of lead and zinc have been identified in or near these counties at Galmoy and Lisheen. At Lisheen a geological evaluation is ongoing to determine the level of mineralisation and reserves. At Galmoy work has progressed to the stage where planning permission for a development at the site has been applied for by the licence holder.
No application for a State mining lease in respect of a lead/zinc deposit has been received by my Department.
