Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2004
125 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will allow Kilkenny County Council or the NRA road design team to carry out further tests to determine the location and quality of dolomite on lands close to the quarry at Dundell, Maddoxtown, County Kilkenny; the reason for the objections he might have with this request; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25914/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that previous tests carried out by Kilkenny County Council were related to site investigation required for a proposed new road. As the Minister responsible for mineral exploration and development under the Minerals Development Acts 1940 to 1999, I have no jurisdiction with regard to such site investigations undertaken by Kilkenny County Council or the NRA road design team. Where prospecting for unworked minerals is intended, the owners of an estate or interest in minerals in any land can do so without any requirement for a State facility. No other parties can do so, however, unless they hold a current prospecting licence for the area in question, for which they need to apply to my Department.
