Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 2 Feb 1995

Vol. 448 No. 5

Written Answers. - Galmoy (Kilkenny) Mine Development.

Liam Aylward

Question:

103 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if he has received recommendations from the State Mining Board; when he will be in a position to issue the licence to a company (details supplied) for mine development at Galmoy, County Kilkenny; if he has satisfied himself that there are sufficient safeguards and compensations in place to protect the concerns of the local interests; the job numbers and time-scale in the construction of the mine; the number of permanent jobs directly and indirectly to be created when the mine is fully operational; the steps, if any, that have been taken to protect the surface and quality of the road leading to and from the mine; the productive lifespan of the mine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2444/95]

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Lowry)

The report of the Mining Board into the proposal to grant a State mining licence to the company in question was furnished to my Department on 6 December 1994 and I am in the process of examining and assessing that report.

I am considering the recommendations of the board as they relate to the licence including those relating to compensation of third parties for damage or nuisance, if any, which may occur as a result of mining operations.

In my assessment, I will obviously be taking local concerns into account.

I expect to be in a position to make a decision shortly.

The anticipated lifespan of the mine is ten years. Should the licence be granted and development proceeds, there will be sizeable job opportunities created with an obvious beneficial impact on the local economy.

The planning permission for this project which was granted by An Bord Pleanála in April 1994 contains conditions which oblige the company to make substantial financial contributions to the local planning authority for necessary road improvement works along with other conditions which are designed to protect the quality of the road leading to and from the proposed mine.