asked the Minister for Energy if he will take all possible steps to safeguard the future of Tipperary Anthracite Ltd., Lickfinn, Ballingarry, Thurles, County Tipperary, which is now closed due to the flooding of the mine and other reasons involving the loss of livelihood to 130 workers and their families; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Tipperary Anthracite Ltd.
582.
The coalmine at Ballingarry, operated by the company in question, ceased production in June 1984. Maintenance operations continued while the management were endeavouring to negotiate funding for necessary mine development.
The mine re-opened on 10 September in the expectation that development funding would be shortly forthcoming. Problems arose in this regard, however, and, early this month the management concluded that it had no option but to cease all operations at the mine. Negotiations with a view to raising the necessary development finance are continuing on an urgent basis but, at this stage, it is not possible to say what the outcome will be.