Dempsey at it again?

Wednesday August 03, 2005 13:49

by Admin - DailWatch

Caution needed

Noel Dempsey today welcomed Rio Tinto's 'donation' to the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI).

This is the same Minister that yesterday granted permission for Shell, Statoil and Marathon to begin offshore work on a major gas field despite recent illegal construction work.

Demspey appears to be championing the role of multinational corporations in Ireland despite the wishes and rights of Irish citizens.

One can only wonder where Rio Tinto are going to come into all of this?

From
http://www.dcmnr.gov.ie/Press+Releases/

Dempsey Welcomes Donation of Rio Tinto’s Irish Geological Archive to the Geological Survey of Ireland

Dublin, 3rd August 2005

The Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Noel Dempsey, T.D., today welcomed the donation by Rio Tinto of their extensive Irish geological archive to the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI).

Rio Tinto is one of the world’s major mining companies with its headquarters’ in the United Kingdom. Rio Tinto carried out exploration activities in Ireland from the early 1960s until the mid 1990s. During that time they amassed a huge archive of geological information including data from the Keel lead – zinc deposit in Longford and the Kilmacoo gold deposit in Wicklow.

The Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) is the national geoscience agency. It is the repository for all geological data for the country and contains the most complete inventory of information on Irish geology and mineral deposits.

“The archive that is being donated represents the collected efforts of many geologists over 35 years and it is fair to say is a treasure trove that will add enormously to the national databank. I have no doubt hat the information contained in the archive will yield many insights and new interpretations in the years to come on Irish geology. I want to thank Rio Tinto for their generosity and applaud their public spirit in making this very kind offer to Ireland. I also want to assure the entire geological community and the public in general that the data once catalogued and archived properly will be made available to all,” said Minister Dempsey.

For further information please contact:
Gerry Stanley, Mineral Programme, Geological Survey of Ireland
Tel: 01 678 2863. Fax: 01 678 2578. [email protected]

Ends