asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in leasing the mining rights of Ballingarry, County Tipperary, Mianraí Teoranta have got any assurance of the continuance in employment of the existing number of men, or whether there is a prospect of further employment; and if it is intended to explore further areas in the Slieveardagh coal district with a view to further development.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ballingarry (County Tipperary) Mining Rights.
Mianraí Teoranta sold the Ballingarry Colliery as a going concern and the purchaser indicated that it was his intention to maintain it as such. There was no undertaking to retain the existing number of men in employment at all times and it would clearly have been unreasonable to expect any such undertaking. The lease of the Slieveardagh coalfield was included in the sale. I understand it is the aim of the purchaser to develop the coalfield to the utmost practicable extent.