Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 10 Mar 1992

Vol. 417 No. 1

Written Answers. - Irish Coal Production Possibility.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

136 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Energy whether opportunities for Irish coal production have been investigated; whether these products could come to the market place at a price competitive with imported products; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Energy (Mr. Molloy)

In 1980/81 the then Minister for Energy engaged consultants to review the potential of Irish coalfields for development. Their report outlines the nature and extent of recoverable reserves of onshore coal in the State and provides a body of essential data for prospective operators. It is made available to interested parties on request for a fee.

While there is no significant coal production in the State at present a number of licences are currently held by exploration companies for coal prospecting purposes.

The competitiveness of domestically produced coal would vary depending on the cost factors associated with each development. I am hopeful that there are deposits which could be exploited and marketed at a price which is competitive with imported products.