Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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88. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding details of an incident when applying for a prospecting licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63911/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Neither I nor the Geoscience Regulation Office (GSRO) of my Department was aware of the incident referred to in the Question.

Notwithstanding this, I can advise that the granting of the two Prospecting Licences in Co Leitrim in April 2022 was in accordance with all relevant provisions of the Minerals Development Act (1940). The Prospecting Licences issued only permit the company to undertake exploration activities including geological mapping, geochemical sampling and ground geophysical surveys. These activities are temporary and involve minimal disturbance. No mining is permitted to take place under the Prospecting Licences.