Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 July 2014
442. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which the most current form of mineral exploration licences have been applied for or activated to date; the way this compares with the position under previous licensing regimes; if any particularly noticeable issues have arisen in this context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32574/14]
View answerThere are currently 656 mineral prospecting active licences. Such Licences are normally granted for an initial period of six years and may be renewed for a further six years. Thereafter, licences may be renewed for one or two years, as appropriate. Once issued, all licences are active. This regime has been in operation since the 1990s. Details of all Prospecting Licences can be found in the six-monthly report to the Oireachtas, which I am obliged to lay before the Houses under the Minerals Development Acts, 1940 to 1999. The last such report was in respect of the six-month period ending 31st December 2013. This report is also available on my Department’s website at www.dcenr.gov.ie. The table shows the number of Prospecting Licences issued each year since 2004.
Prospecting Licences granted during the period 2004 – 2014.
|
2004 |
26 |
|
2005 |
51 |
|
2006 |
84 |
|
2007 |
143 |
|
2008 |
91 |
|
2009 |
66 |
|
2010 |
93 |
|
2011 |
98 |
|
2012 |
102 |
|
2013 |
142 |
|
2014* |
68 |
* Licences granted in 2014 to 15th July
* Licences granted in 2014 to 15th July
