asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he has any report from his experts as to the minerals which could be economically exploited in the East Wicklow area; the approximate quantities of such minerals available; the capital which would be necessary for their profitable production; and whether he has taken any steps to bring the possibilities of this area to the attention of investors who may be interested in mineral development.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - EAST WICKLOW MINERAL RESOURCES.
Information is available in my Department as to the minerals in the area in question, the principal being ores of copper, lead, zinc, iron and sulphur, as well as ochre. It would not be possible, without considerable expenditure on preliminary prospecting and examination, to give an estimate of the full resources available. The amount of capital necessary for their development on a comprehensive scale is a question to be determined primarily by such commercial interests as proposed to undertake development, and would depend on the nature and extent of the contemplated operations. The possibilities of the area have been brought by my Department to the notice of parties interested in mineral development, and as a result a commencement in the working of the ochre deposits is expected in the near future.