Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 21 Jun 1995

Vol. 454 No. 7

Written Answers. - Minerals Prospecting Licence.

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

23 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the present position regarding mineral deposits (details supplied) in County Cavan; if a prospecting licence is currently in force; if so, when it was issued; the period for which the licence is valid; the indications, if any, his Department has on the viability of mining the resources on a commercial basis; if so, the plans, if any, his Department has regarding this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11446/95]

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Lowry)

The minerals prospecting licences for the area in question expired on 9 April 1995 and is not being renewed.

A special public competition for a minerals prospecting licence for the area will be held in September-October 1995 and will be open to all interested parties. I am hopeful that the competition will yield firm proposals for necessary further work to be undertaken under such a licence, so as to pave the way for development of the major deposit as quickly and effectively as possible.

I know that the Deputy and other Members of this House over the years have expressed the wish to see such a development proceed. However, as the Deputy will appreciate, the commercial viability of such a development is mainly dependent on securing a remunerative market for the mine output. Whoever is awarded the minerals prospecting licence under the forthcoming competition will, therefore, have to be geared to addressing that particular issue with the necessary vigour and professionalism.

I am determined to ensure that with the proper application of modern technology and mining techniques and sound environmental management systems the minerals resources of the nation will be developed responsibly, so as to achieve the maximum benefit in terms of job creation, increasing national wealth and underpinning industrial growth.