Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 29 May 2001

Vol. 537 No. 2

Written Answers. - Explosives Manufacturing.

Alan Shatter

Question:

349 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received a letter from the Kildysart explosives factory opposition group dated 7 May 2001 (details supplied); if so, the action he and his Department have taken on foot of the contents of the said letter; if it is his intention to revoke the draft licence issued under the Explosives Act, 1875, in view of the contents of the said letter; the further role he has as Minister in granting the licence; and the stage at which he will further involve himself in the process, in particular with a view to protecting the communities' constitutional interests. [15847/01]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

I have received the letter to which the Deputy refers. The draft licence for the manufacture of explosives in this case was granted by me in accordance with section 6 of the Explosives Act, 1875. I also granted the applicant permission, under the same section, to apply to the local authority for its assent which is required under the Act.

I do not believe that the question of the revocation of the draft licence arises from the concerns expressed in the letter to which the Deputy refers, but it will of course be open to the Kildysart explosives factory opposition group to raise any relevant concerns at the local authority hearing on this matter which is scheduled to commence on 30 May 2001.