Vol. 428 No. 1
401 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications when a decision will be made in respect of licences to mine coal at a location (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
A mining development is not normally undertaken unless prospecting results indicate that such an operation would be economically viable. Following successful prospecting mining is carried out under a State mining lease. No application for a State mining lease covering the area referred to by the Deputy has been received by my Department.
Prospecting licence areas covering Boulea and part of Ballingarry Lower, County Tipperary, were recently opened for applications. Three applications were received and are being examined at present. A decision on the grant of the licences will be made in the near future.
