asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state (1) the total investment in Slievardagh coal mines; (2) the total production of coal up to 30th June, 1948; (3) the present cost of production per ton; (4) whether the mine was run at a profit or a loss during the six months ended 30th June, 1948; (5) whether he is aware that an 18-inch seam of coal can be mined at Copper, and (6) whether the investment of new capital in the mine as provided in legislation passed in 1947 will be undertaken, and, if so, when.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Slievardagh Coal Production.
The advances made to Mianraí, Teoranta, for direct expenditure in developing and working the Slievardagh coalfield amount to nearly £110,000. The total production of coal up to the 30th June, 1948, was approximately 90,000 tons and the cost of production in the period covered by the question varied from 62/- a ton to 66/- a ton including the usual overhead expenses as well as costs of development.
The actual results of working during the half-year to the 30th June last are not yet available. The operations in the half-year were of a special character as they consisted mainly in removing coal from the pillars in a mine which the company had decided early in February last to abandon because it had proved uneconomic to work.
The expert evidence available is not conclusive as to the thickness of the coal seam at Copper, and it is not certain that a seam of 18 inches could be mined in that area.
Proposals for working in the Copper area have been submitted by the company and are under consideration. I am not at present in a position to make a statement on the matter.
Will the Minister state if he is aware of the great poverty existing in this particular area? Further, will he state if he is aware that this is unquestionably the poorest part of Ireland and, in view of that, will the Minister say that he will give the matter his sympathetic consideration with a view to expediting the reopening of the Copper mines?
I am fully aware of what the Deputy says and have been aware of it for over 25 years.