Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 Jun 1996

Vol. 466 No. 4

Written Answers. - Mineral Exploration.

Séamus Hughes

Question:

294 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the areas in the country that are excluded areas for the purposes of consideration of the issue of prospecting licences which are referred to on page two of his Department's report dated 1 May 1996; the reason these areas are excluded; whether this is a permanent exclusion; and the considerations, if any, that will be required to be fulfilled in order to allow the inclusion of other areas to be so classified. [11540/96]

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

The areas of the country which are excluded for the purposes of minerals exploration are identified on the map which accompanies the report referred to by the Deputy. In summary, they are the areas immediately surrounding and including Croagh Patrick as well as the State owned national parks. It is current policy to exclude national parks from prospecting licence areas and Croagh Patrick and its environs are excluded because of the unique importance of this pilgrimage site which is part of our national, cultural and religious heritage.

I have no plans to change these criteria and it will be a matter for future Governments to decide their policy on such issues having regard to developments in mining technology, environmental protection and other relevant issues.