asked the Minister for Energy the estimated quantity of coal deposits in this country; and the surveys, if any, being carried out to identify further deposits.
Written Answers. - Coal Deposits.
208.
Proven coal reserves are as follows: 10.7 million tons of anthracite in the Leinster and Slieveardagh coalfields; 18.3 million tons of semi-bituminous coal including low grade coal (crow coal) in the Connaught coalfield.
On the basis of rather insubstantial data it is estimated by the Geological Survey Office that probable or possible additional reserves are as follows: 12 million tons of anthracite; 19 million tons of semi-bituminous coal. No information is available as regards offshore reserves of coal.
The Geological Survey Office is engaged in continuing study and field work to up-date its records and maps of coal deposits with a view to acquiring a better appreciation of the nature and extent of the coal reserves. During the course of a recent visit to the offices of the Survey I discussed this work with the Director and his staff and I emphasised the importance of the studies in our current situation. As I informed the Deputy in reply to a recent Question, various parts of the coalfields are being worked at present by private concerns. Other companies with coal mining expertise are displaying considerable interest in obtaining facilities to explore and develop parts of the coalfields which are not being worked at present. The question of mining rights under the Minerals Development Act, 1979, has to be determined by the Mining Board in respect of large areas of the coalfields and when it becomes possible to grant facilities to these parties considerably more information will gradually become available regarding the extent of the coal reserves.