asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if any steps have been taken to develop the lead mines and iron ore deposits at Oughterard, County Galway.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Oughterard (Galway) Mineral Deposits.
29.
I am granting a prospecting licence to a company to enable it to prospect for minerals in an area in County Galway which includes part of the Oughterard deposits. I am prepared to entertain applications for prospecting licences in respect of other areas in the locality.
Will the Minister take steps to encourage people to prospect in this area?
This country has been prospected to a greater degree than ever it was.
Did the Minister receive any report from these prospectors as to their findings?
The Director of the Geological Survey keeps in touch with them and I am in a position to get any information I want.
Is it possible to secure a copy of the report?
No. These are private companies. They have to make reports all right and to lodge certain assays, etc., in the Geological Survey Office.
Is it possible to get a copy of what they lodge?
I am not certain about that.
Perhaps the Minister would inquire?