7 Geology and Hydrogeology
7.9 Mineral Resources
There
are numerous active and disused sand and gravel pits within
the study area, many of which are identified on the geotechnical
constraints maps. The locations of rock quarries identified
on the GSI maps, which are fewer in number are also shown
on the geotechnical constraints maps. Some of these pits and
quarries may provide a source for road construction materials.
Based on the
available information, the only areas that have any significant
mineral resources that may constrain route selection are the
coal seams around the Castlecomer plateau.
As specific
routes could impact on the viability of open cast mining,
the potential for mineral resources along specific routes
will be considered at route selection stage. It may be possible
to identify these potential mineral resource areas in consultation
with the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources, the
County Councils, as well as the minerals section of the GSI.
A non-exhaustive
list of mines in and around the study area is given in Table
7.4.
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