asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if it is his intention at an early date to give a mining lease to a firm (details supplied) in respect of the area where it is firmly established that the minerals are State-owned.
21.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mining Lease.
20.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has received any application from a company (details supplied) for a mining lease.
Mr. R. Burke
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 21 together.
As the Deputy is aware, undertakings have been given to the company named in the first question that lease of State minerals in a number of townlands included in a prospecting licence held by them will be granted. It is my intention, as soon as I am in a position to do so, to grant a lease on foot of these undertakings subject to such terms and conditions as I may consider proper or desirable in the public interest.
The validity of a Minerals Acquisition Order in respect of certain minerals in the area is still the subject of litigation. I am appealing the High Court's decision in the matter to the Supreme Court. Pending the decision of the Supreme Court, I would not consider it appropriate to grant a lease in respect of any part of the mineral deposit in question.
I have received no application from the company named in the Deputy's second question for a mining lease.