Vol. 402 No. 5
109 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Energy if his attention has been drawn to the local objections to the proposed prospecting and possible mining development at Mount Leinster on the borders of Counties Wexford and Carlow; in view of this, the reason an extension was granted to a company (details supplied) on 10 October 1990 for further prospecting in this area; and if he will make a statement on the future position of this development.
I have recently renewed, for a period of two years from 12 October 1990 the prospecting licence in the Mount Leinster area held by the company to which the Deputy refers. In reaching my decision I took into account all relevant matters pertaining to the licence including both an assessment of the work carried out and proposed to be carried out by the company and careful consideration of local objections.
I would stress that this licence is solely for the purpose of prospecting. It does not entitle the company to mine. Prospecting work by its nature has only a minimal effect on the environment.
Should the company's prospecting give rise to the possibility of a commercial mining development the granting of a mining lease involves an entirely separate procedure. A lease application will only be considered by me if and when full local authority planning permission has been granted. This process provides an opportunity for local individuals and groups to have their views considered.
I have stated publicly on a number of occasions that in considering any application for a State mining lease a detailed environmental impact study must be carried out by an independent expert acceptable to my Department and that the results of this assessment must be such as to ensure that the most rigorous environmental standards can be met by the proposed mining activity. I must also have guarantees that the mine site will be satisfactorily rehabilitated and restored on cessation of mining operations.
I can assure the Deputy that in the event of an application for a mining lease in respect of this area I will pay particular attention to the specific environmental concerns of local people.
