Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Dec 2003

Vol. 576 No. 1

Written Answers. - Mineral Royalties.

John McGuinness

Question:

213 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the amount which has been paid in royalties to the Department on dolomite extracted at Maddoxtown Quarry, County Kilkenny, during the past ten years; if there is a tonnage rate for dolomite relative to the royalties paid; if so, the rate for the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28914/03]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern)

The amount paid in royalties during the past ten years is €140,539. The rate of royalty is fixed at 3.12c per tonne of dolomite under the existing mining lease dated 2 December 1968. The rate of royalty for dolomite is roughly 40c per tonne, and any new lease will include this rate and it will be subject to review every four years.