Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 4 Dec 1996

Vol. 472 No. 4

Written Answers. - Mining Permits.

Robert Molloy

Ceist:

164 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if it is proposed to establish a co-ordination group chaired by the Environmental Protection Agency to reduce delays to a minimum in processing applications for mining permits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23523/96]

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

It is not proposed to accept recommendation 41 of the National Minerals Policy Review Group because that could interfere with the statutory remit of the Environmental Protection Agency to properly assess applications for integrated pollution control licences and appeals in relation thereto and monitor compliance with such licences.

Nevertheless, in the interests of progressing responsible mine developments, my Department, as mine licensing authority and statutory consultee, maintains close links with both the relevant planning authorities and the Environmental Protection Agency in the assessment of mine development proposals. Thus, mine development proposals are effectively considered in a comprehensive way so as to minimise delays on the part of the permitting authorities. It is up to the developers to respond promptly and fully to the permitting authorities so as to allow them to progress their consideration of the proposals as quickly as possible.