asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will comment on the statement by a mining company (name supplied) on 1st April, 1971, that he had signified his intention in writing of giving the disputed mineral rights at Nevinstown, Country Meath, to this company.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Meath Mineral Rights.
26.
In accordance with the powers conferred on me by section 13 of the Minerals Development Act, 1940, I gave an undertaking on 1st April, 1971, to grant a lease to Tara Exploration and Development Co. Ltd.
Briefly, this undertaking states that if, at any time during the currency of the prospecting licences held by the company over areas in the Navan district, I am satisfied that prospecting in these areas has been successful, I will grant a State mining lease in respect of State-owned minerals in the townlands of Nevinstown, Knockumber and Whistlemount, County Meath to Tara Exploration and Development Co. Ltd. or its wholly owned subsidiary, Tara Mines Ltd. The lease will be granted subject to such terms and conditions as I may consider proper or desirable in the public interest.