Prospecting Licences.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 February 2004

Tuesday, 3 February 2004

Ceisteanna (227)

John McGuinness

Ceist:

356 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will provide funding for a site investigation at Dunbell, Maddoxtown, County Kilkenny on lands owned by the Department to determine the extent of the dolamite reserve and to help form a view as to whether the adjoining lands have the same levels of dolamite; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of the local community in this area regarding the route of the new road and the role of his Department in the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3014/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern)

The question of funding for site investigations to assess mineral deposits was dealt with in the reply to Question No. 116, delivered last Thursday, 29 January. The land in question is not owned by the Department. Officials of the Department met representatives of the local community on 29 January. The community's concerns will be fully considered insofar as they relate to development of existing and potential mineral deposits in the area. The Department will continue to liaise with the local community on the relevant issues.