Minister proposes four state mining licences for Shanoon Resources

The Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment proposes to grant State Mining Licences 13, 14, 15 and 16 to Shanoon Resources Ltd, whose registered office is at New Work Junction, Dublin Road, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny, R95 VP83. The proposal, published in Iris Oifigiúil No. 68 of 25 August 2026, is made under the powers vested in the Minister by the Minerals Development Act 1940 and the Minerals Development Act 1979. Public representations and claims to any estate or interest in the minerals must be received by 5pm on 18 September 2026.

Where the licences are located

The licences cover mineral rights across the counties of Kilkenny and Laois. Maps showing the boundaries of the four State Mining Licences have been deposited for public inspection at three locations:

• The Office of the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, Dublin (D04 K7X4)
• Kilkenny County Council Offices, Kilkenny County Hall, College Park, Kilkenny (R95 A39T)
• Laois County Council Offices, Áras an Chontae, James Fintan Lawlor Avenue, Portlaoise, Co. Laois (R32 EHP9)

The notice and maps are also available by scanning the QR code in the gazette or on the Department’s website under its mining facility notices.

How to make a representation

Persons wishing to make representations arising out of the Minister’s proposals, or to claim an entitlement to any estate or interest in the minerals, may do so through the online representations form (accessible via the QR code or at the Department’s consultation portal) or by post to the Geoscience Regulation Office, Tom Johnson House, Haddington Road, Dublin 4 (D04 K7X4). Representations received after 5pm on 18 September 2026 will not be considered, and the Minister reserves the right to make details of the representations available to the applicant to assess their validity.

Environmental screening and data protection

The Minister has assessed the project and determined that the activities are not likely to have a significant effect on the environment. The statutory notice, information and the Minister’s determination are available via the QR code or on the Department’s environmental screening determinations page.

Respondents should note that, in responding to the consultation, they consent to their name being published with their representation, while personal addresses and email addresses will be redacted. Petition organisers act as data controllers under EU Regulation 2016/679 (GDPR) and must confirm that signatories have consented to the processing of their personal data or that another lawful basis applies.

The proposal gives local communities in Kilkenny and Laois a defined window to examine the licence boundaries and raise concerns about mineral rights before the Minister decides whether to grant the four licences, making the consultation a key step in the State’s management of its mineral resources.

Source: Iris Oifigiúil, No. 68, 25 August 2026, Notices (official reference: Notice of Proposal to Exercise Powers, Minerals Development Acts 1940-1999).