asked the Minister for Energy if there are any plans for the development of the talc magnesite deposits at Westport, County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Westport (Mayo) Talc Magnesite Deposits.
7.
I understand that the company concerned are currently engaged in a fresh feasibility study of a project for the development of the Westport talc magnesite deposit and I hope to receive mine development proposals from the company in the near future. Unless there is a significant improvement in the level of commitment to the development of this deposit, the question of transferring the prospecting rights to other parties will have to be considered.
Has the Minister notified the parties concerned that he intends to transfer the mining rights if they do not proceed and show more interest in developing there? Does the Minister intend to take it back from them at this stage? What is the position?
The company concerned are aware of the Department's position. I should add that the exploration licence was granted in 1981, expired in 1983 but was renewed by my Department to 1985. The company applied for a further renewal but in view of the delay in proceeding to a final feasibility study the Department deferred approval of renewal of a prospecting licence. We are trying to bring pressure to bear on the company to finalise their plans in regard to this matter. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that we are anxious to get to a developmental stage.
The Deputy will appreciate that the exploration stage has been going on since 1981.
I would be anxious that the company should move toward a developmental stage. Will the Minister say if he has put a time limit on this? How long more is he prepared to allow the company the prospecting licence? Has he communicated that information to the company?
I hope to receive some final plans by the middle of this year. That is fair in my view. The company have been rather slow in relation to their activities regarding these deposits. However, we have borne with this over the period but we are coming to a point where we will have to get a final decision from the company with regard to their intentions. We will have to get some more definite mining plans from them. That is not unreasonable after five years.
Mr. Reynolds rose.
Deputy Reynolds will be aware that the Chair has been requested by all sides of the House, including the party Whips, to make progress with questions. That is not possible if the Chair is to be ignored.
We will not have any problem in getting through the questions today. I should like to ask the Minister if it is a question of a financial or marketing problem as far as the deposits are concerned? What is holding back the development plans for these deposits?
I am aware that the company employed consultants. I imagine it is a matter of marketing rather than any technical aspects of the deposits that is causing the company to hesitate. I am sure the Deputy will agree that the prospecting licence has been in existence for five years and it is time that we insisted on final plans being submitted to the Department. I do not think we are being unreasonable in that.
I agree with the Minister.