Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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199. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if there has been an update in relation to his intention to grant a mining licence for the purpose of mining for gold and silver and other minerals in the hinterland of Thurles, County Tipperary; if so, the rationale for the granting of such a licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17261/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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There has been no application received for a mining licence near Thurles, County Tipperary. My Department previously published a notice of intention to grant Prospecting Licences in this area for a thirty day public consultation, which closed on 21 January 2022.

The current application to grant Prospecting Licences remains under consideration by my Department and no final decision has been made as of yet. A PL holder may undertake mineral exploration activities, such as mapping, geophysical and geochemical surveys, and drilling in accordance with Prospecting Licence conditions and environmental legislation. Seeking permission to mine is a separate process requiring three State authorisations; planning permission from the local county council; a licence from the EPA (Industrial Emissions or Integrated Pollution Control licence); and a State Mining Licence/Lease.