Vol. 472 No. 5
9 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the progress, if any, made to date in relation to the mining of the gypsum deposits at Glangevlin, County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23497/96]
Exploration of the gypsum deposit known to exist at Glangevlin is proceeding satisfactorily, in compliance with the prospecting licence granted and is being monitored closely by my Department. Some drilling has been undertaken and the results are being analysed by the licence holder, Gypsum Industries Plc.
The licence is valid for an initial period of two years from 1 April 1996 and renewable only subject to rigorous conditions being fully complied with.
I would advise the Deputy that the exploration programme is at a very early stage and it is not possible, therefore, to say if it will be economical to develop the deposit to the stage where a State mining facility might be considered.
The exploration of a mineral deposit is a slow and painstaking process and, understandably, a high degree of commercial confidentiality must be maintained in regard thereto. In the circumstances, I would not expect the company holding the licence to be in a position to provide any information for public consumption for very many months yet.
