asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware of the need for a new pier at Coornigillagh in the Electoral Division of Dourus, Parish of Tuosish, County Kerry; and that at present farmers in that area are unable to get the sand necessary for their lands, and fishermen are unable to land their fish owing to the state of the old pier; and whether he has examined the matter with a view to the erection of a new pier.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Kerry Piers.
Mr. Lynch
A grant was sanctioned in 1938 towards the cost of improvements to the pier at Coornagillagh, County Kerry, but owing to difficulties encountered with two landholders whose interests would be affected by the proposed work, it was not possible to proceed with the scheme. The grant has since been cancelled, and it is not proposed to consider the matter further unless and until the local persons concerned agree to facilitate the execution of the work.
asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that the pier at Dunquin, Dingle, County Kerry, was completely destroyed by the big storm in December, 1942, and, in view of the importance of this pier to the fishermen of the district, if he will state when it is proposed to have the necessary repairs carried out.
I am aware that damage was caused to a portion of the structure referred to as a result of a storm, and I am prepared to consider the issue of a grant from Vote 67 towards the cost of repairs provided that the Kerry County Council give an undertaking to accept responsibility for the future maintenance of the pier.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that this matter came before the county council some years ago and that they would not give that guarantee? I would ask the Minister to take some steps to have this pier put into some condition in which it can be used. I have known occasions when fishermen who depend solely on fishing for their livelihood have had to wait for four hours until there was sufficient water to enable them to land their fish. When they do land them, they have to make about 80 other journeys with the fish to the road. Further, they have to bring their boats on their backs because at present there is no place to accommodate the boats. Until quite recently there were hundreds of pounds spent in that district building a bathing pool for the Minister for Local Government and Public Health and his family——
Is the Deputy purporting to ask a supplementary question?
It would be far better to spend the money on the pier.
The Deputy has not asked a supplementary question.
The Deputy is aware that grants are made under this Vote for the provision of piers and harbours on condition that the county council concerned will be responsible in future for the maintenance of these piers and harbours. The Deputy is, I understand, a member of the county council and I would suggest to him that he should use his influence to get the Kerry County Council to agree to do what county councils in other counties have done in relation to such works.
Who is responsible for maintaining the bathing pool at Dunquin for the Minister for Local Government and Public Health?
That is a separate question.