Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Jan 1996

Vol. 460 No. 3

Written Answers. - Glangevlin (Cavan) Prospecting Licence.

Robert Molloy

Question:

589 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the number of applications received for the prospecting licence over the major gypsum deposit at Glangevlin, County Cavan; and when a decision will be made regarding the awarding of this licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1183/96]

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

Applications were invited for a Prospecting Licence covering the gypsum deposits known to exist at Glangevlin, County Cavan with the stated objective of the successful applicant establishing the full character, extent and value of the deposit. The notice inviting applications advised that the successful applicant would be committed to undertaking the necessary and extensive work programme designed to pave the way for development of the deposit as quickly as and effectively as possible.

Two applications were received by the closing date and representatives of both applicant companies were interviewed by technical staff of my Department in order that certain aspects of their proposals could be clarified.

On 13 December 1995 — six weeks after the closing date for the competition — I made a decision having regard to the recommendation made by my officials and awarded the Prospecting Licence to Gypsum Industries, PLC for an initial period of two years and renewable only subject to rigorous conditions attaching to the licence being fully complied with. Both applicant companies were advised of the result of the competition on 14 December 1995.

I should advise that the prospecting and exploration of this deposit will allow both the licence holder and my Department to assess the viability of the deposit being mined and give an insight into any safety and environmental issues which might arise in the event of it being mined and which are peculiar to this particular deposit. A considerable amount of work will be needed in order to establish whether the deposit can be worked commercially and it will be some time before any final decisions can be made on the viability of the deposit. It would, therefore, be premature at this stage to take the issue of a prospecting licence as being indicative of the future development of a gypsum mine at Glangevlin.