36. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department will support proposals concerning the Shallee project and the development of facilities at Shallee Mine in Silvermines, County Tipperary; if he has been made aware of previous correspondence issued to his Department (details supplied); if he will review this correspondence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22529/25]

As stated in the Policy Statement on Mineral Exploration and Mining 2022, my Department supports in principle the potential of legacy mine sites to contribute to communities as public amenities, sites for geoheritage, tourism, renewable energy and businesses, including potential remining, through their management, stabilisation, and rehabilitation, in addition to the Department actively ensuring any necessary environmental remediation and the protection of valuable habitats are addressed, as appropriate.

In line with this principle, a Historic Mines Rehabilitation Programme has been established in Geological Survey Ireland in August 2024. Under this Programme my Department is working closely with Tipperary County Council, particularly regarding safety works, and an active environmental monitoring programme has been put in place. The Department is currently progressing tasks associated with the rehabilitation of the Silvermines historic mine site areas, including the resolution of land title matters with relevant landowners in the area.