Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 February 2021
45. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the checks and scrutiny processes his Department carried out when it considered and subsequently endorsed a company (details supplied) for prospecting licences in Connemara, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9550/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll applicants for prospecting licences must provide an appropriate exploration programme for the minerals of interest, demonstrate their technical and financial capabilities and agree to licence terms which includes a condition of undertaking work with due regard for the environment. Specifically, my Department assesses:
- the basis of interest in the licence,
- the applicant’s planned work programme,
- estimates of expenditure,
- names, addresses, qualifications and experience of technical experts or advisers,
- insurance details,
- evidence of funds available, and;
- character, financial and technical references.
Additional information on the process of granting prospecting licences is available on my Department's website.
