asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries whether, in view of the acute distress prevailing in the Adrigole district of West Cork, it is now proposed to proceed with the construction of the Kerry Pass Road passing through the Lansdowne and Leigh-White estates, thereby relieving the unemployment locally and materially assisting the development of tourist traffic on the Béara Peninsula.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Distress in West Cork.
I cannot add anything to the reply I gave the Deputy in this matter on 29th February last.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware of the grave distress prevailing in this area, and is he not aware that the construction of this road would be not alone an economic proposition, but would be far better than the small bog roads that he is doling out in some parts of this area at present. In view of this, would he not reconsider the matter, and give instructions to the Land Commission to proceed with this road?
The works that the Land Commission have undertaken in the area are in connection with some estates acquired under the 1923 Acts. They are necessary works. This is not work which the Land Commission in any event could undertake. Even assuming that this road were made, it has no agricultural value whatever, although it may have certain advantages from the tourist development point of view; that is not a matter with which the Land Commission can deal.
Is the question of distress in that area where the Land Commission have acquired estates not a matter for consideration?
The Land Commission has already spent a substantial sum in carrying out estate works in that area.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that in the particular part of the parish where this road is proposed to be constructed there is very little work in operation, and that this work, if undertaken, would give a chance of employment to a large number of men, and would he therefore consider the advisability of getting this work done?
No.
Már gheall ar an bhfreagra a fuaireas tógfaidh mé an ceist seo ar an athló.