Mildred Fox
Question:179 Miss Fox asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if the State owns the Avoca Mines. [27764/01]
Written Answers. - Avoca Mines.
There are two major former mines in the Avoca area, St. Patrick's Copper Mines Limited and Avoca Mines Limited, both of which were involved in long running receiverships. In both cases, portions of the lands have been sold to third parties over the years.
The receivership of St. Patrick's Copper Mines was never completed due to the death of the receiver some years ago. An alternative process of winding up the company which will vest its residual assets in the Minister for Finance, was commenced in recent years. When the receivership of Avoca Mines Limited is completed, its residual assets will revert to the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources. Part of the lands formerly occupied by Avoca Mines Limited in east Avoca reverted to the Minister under the terms of a reversionary lease.
As the residual assets of the two companies have not yet formally transferred to the State, they cannot be said, therefore, to be in State ownership at present.
If the Deputy has an inquiry about any particular plot of land, my officials will be glad to clarify as far as possible its ownership status.