asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has received a petition from a big number of carters in Tramore, Co. Waterford, requesting that the order sought by the Waterford Co. Council to stop the removal of gravel from the foreshore at Tramore be refused, and, further, if it is his intention to grant the request of the carters.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - REMOVAL OF TRAMORE GRAVEL.
After most careful enquiry and consideration it has been found necessary to renew the prohibitory Order preventing the removal of material from certain foreshore at Tramore. The Order was made on the 17th instant. Prohibition of removals was enforced at this place almost continuously from 1888 to 1920, and renewal now is imperative if very serious erosion by the sea is not to take place, and to be assisted by the immense removals of the sand which have been going on during recent years.
A petition from parties who have been engaged in removing sand was received in my Department, but I regret that I was unable to agree that the process should be allowed to continue. The foreshore at Tramore is the property of the State, and no authority has ever been given for removals.