asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce what steps are being taken by the Government to develop the Slievardagh coalfields, Ballingarry, Thurles, County Tipperary; and if he is aware that the people of the district are very disappointed at their non-opening on account of the reports of substantial coal deposits there.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Slievardagh Coalfields.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to a question which he addressed to my predecessor on the 30th November, 1938, to which I have, at present, nothing to add.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce what steps, if any, have been taken towards the development of the Slievardagh coal mines in County Tipperary.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to a question addressed to me by Deputy Fogarty to-day.
Arising out of the Minister's answer, I want to ask the Minister if he would tell us what are the prospects of this coal mine? The Government has spent £14,000 or more on that mine and I take it they have not done so without having some hopes. The people are badly off there. What are the prospects of having at an early date a definite report or decision by the Department?
It may turn out to be a gold mine.