Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:115 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which exploration for gold is taking place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26788/98]
Written Answers. - Prospecting Licences.
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions Nos. 112 and 113 of 4 November 1998, in which I referred him to my report to the House dated 30 June 1998, and updated him, in general terms, on developments since then.
Since my statutory report was made to the House a further 16 licences allowing exploration for gold have issued. Six of these were over lands in County Monaghan, six over lands in County Meath, three over lands in County Dublin and one over lands in County Wexford. In accordance with statutory requirements, advance notice of my intention to issue these licences was advertised in the local press in each case.