Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 February 2022
37. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he intends to grant a mining licence for the purpose of mining for gold and silver and other minerals in the hinterland of Thurles, County Tipperary; if so, the rationale for the granting of such a licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5378/22]
View answerNo application for a mining licence has been received for this area. I published a public notice of intention to grant a Prospecting Licence in an area near Thurles, County Tipperary on 22 December 2021. A Prospecting Licence (PL) gives the licence holder the right to explore for minerals but not to mine . A PL holder may undertake mineral exploration activities, such as mapping, geophysical and geochemical surveys, and drilling in accordance with Prospecting Licence conditions and environmental legislation.
Seeking permission to mine is a separate process requiring three State authorisations; planning permission from the local county council; a licence from the EPA (Industrial Emissions or Integrated Pollution Control licence); and a State Mining Licence/Lease from the Minister.
The 30 day public consultation on the PL process has concluded and the submissions received as part of this consultation will be considered before I make a decision on whether or not to grant the Prospecting Licence.
