Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 February 2021
45. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the checks and scrutiny processes his Department carried out when it considered and subsequently endorsed a company (details supplied) for prospecting licences in Connemara, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9550/21]
View answerAll applicants for prospecting licences must provide an appropriate exploration programme for the minerals of interest, demonstrate their technical and financial capabilities and agree to licence terms which includes a condition of undertaking work with due regard for the environment. Specifically, my Department assesses:
- the basis of interest in the licence,
- the applicant’s planned work programme,
- estimates of expenditure,
- names, addresses, qualifications and experience of technical experts or advisers,
- insurance details,
- evidence of funds available, and;
- character, financial and technical references.
Additional information on the process of granting prospecting licences is available on my Department's website.
