Prospecting Licences.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2004

Thursday, 19 February 2004

Questions (158)

Phil Hogan

Question:

158 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he consulted the Geological Survey of Ireland about the volume, quality and type of mineral resources adjacent to the proposed route of the N9 road at Ballyreddin, Bennettsbridge, County Kilkenny, before he lodged an objection to the original preferred route; the outcome of the consultation; if he was satisfied with the company’s expertise reports that viable deposits of mineral existed before he lodged his objection; the basis on which his Department can confirm the validity of its objection, particularly in view of the impact that the change of the N9 route will have on individuals and the community of Bennettsbridge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5413/04]

Written answers

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

As I explained in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 116 on 29 January, site investigations to assess the volume and quality of mineral deposits are carried out by mining companies at their own expense. Reports on the mineral deposits in the area were supplied by the existing mine lessee's experts. The reports were assessed by the technical staff of my Department's exploration and mining division. They are satisfied that sizeable deposits of minerals exist. Consultants appointed on behalf of Kilkenny County Council concur with their view. Material supplied by the geological survey was also examined in the course of my Department's examination. However, GSI has no current information on the volume of mineral deposits in the area.

In my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 356 of 3 February I said that officials from my Department had met representatives of the local community on 29 January 2004. The community's views, including a suggestion to revisit a detailed geological report dated 1971 produced by a mining company's consultant, are being examined. A full response will be issued in due course.