asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if he will now make the consultants' report on the development of the Leinster coalfield available; and if he will state, arising from the findings of the report, his plans for the early development of the coal resources of the area in view of the urgency of providing an alternative to imported fuel and the need to provide employment in a disadvantaged area of south east Laois.
Written Answers. - Leinster Coalfield Report.
548.
I have received the consultants' report on the first phase of their study of the Irish coalfields and I will be glad to make it available to interested parties.
The first phase involved an assessment of existing data on the coalfields and the preparation of estimates of coal reserves. The second phase, which commenced recently, requires the consultants to carry out a preliminary assessment of the economic viability of the various seams and areas constituting the coal reserves. It is my intention to make the consultants' further report, which will not be completed until early 1982, also available to prospective operators who might be interested in developing the coalfields, with a view to facilitating investment decision.