asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will take the steps necessary to have further mineral exploration work carried out in County Mayo where known mineral deposits exist.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mayo Mineral Exploration.
48.
The Government do not participate directly in mineral exploration and development but provide adequate facilities and attractive incentives to induce competent private enterprise concerns to engage in such activities. In recent prospecting activity, County Mayo has received much attention, and there are at present a total of 54 prospecting licences valid in respect of areas in that county.
Despite what the Minister has said that the Government do not participate directly in mineral exploration, would the Minister agree to use his good offices to try to impress on the mining people, who must go to the Department of Industry and Commerce for prospecting licences, the importance of having further exploration work carried out? It is the opinion that there is considerable mineral wealth in the county. Would the Minister consider making representations to the exploration company concerned on this matter?
As I told the Deputy, there are 54 prospecting licences in existence in the county, which is a pretty considerable number by comparison with other counties. Unfortunately, no substantial quantity of ore has been found as yet.