asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether representations have been made to him by the Kenmare Branch of the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union and other local organisations regarding the mineral deposits in the neighbourhood of Kenmare and Ardtully; whether it has been brought to his notice that copper mines in the neighbourhood of Ardtully were worked in recent times, that lead exists in workable quantities at Seanagarry, that marble is present in more than one district convenient to Kenmare, and that valuable slate deposits exist in the vicinity of Letter and Gowlane; whether a request has been made to him to order a survey of the district to ascertain if these deposits can be successfully worked in existing circumstances; and, if so, whether it is his intention to order such survey and obtain an expert report concerning the representations referred to.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mineral Deposits in Kenmare District.
The reply to the first part of the Deputy's question is in the affirmative. A survey of this district was made in recent years and two colour-printed geological maps and a geological survey memoir to accompany and describe the maps were published. In these circumstances I do not consider a fresh survey is required. The development of mineral deposits is a matter primarily for private enterprise and any persons proposing to undertake effectively the development of any of the deposits existing in the area will be given every possible assistance by my Department.