Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 November 2021
39. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will consider a moratorium on the issuance of mineral prospecting licences that involve prospecting for gold until the Minerals Development Act 2017 is commenced. [53556/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra49. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the intention to grant prospecting licences (details supplied) is linked to the obligation on the State arising from the terms and conditions agreed with a company; and if there is an obligation on the State to grant prospecting licences in north County Leitrim. [53555/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 49 together.
There are no obligations on the State to grant prospecting licences in North Leitrim to a company that arise from terms and conditions that were set out in previous prospecting licences surrendered by another company.
In accordance with the current legislation, notification of the intention to grant two prospecting licences in North Leitrim was published in a newspaper circulating in the locality on 7 October 2021. Submissions in respect of the intention to grant the licences can be made by members of the public until the closing date of the 7 November 2021. Once this deadline has passed, all valid submissions will be considered as part of the final decision-making process on whether or not to grant the two licence applications.
