asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that, within the past few months, several accidents, arising from the falling of horses, have taken place on the Scartaglin-Castleisland public road; and if he is aware that the accidents referred to caused personal and material damage; if he is further aware that these accidents are attributable to the slippery nature of the road; and if he will issue instructions immediately to have this road made safe for vehicular traffic.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Scartaglin-Castleisland Road.
I understand that the occurrence of an accident due to the falling of a horse on the Scartaglin-Castleisland road has been reported to the county council and that the circumstances surrounding this accident are being investigated. I understand further that grit has recently been spread on the hilly sections of this road to facilitate horse-drawn traffic. In regard to the maintenance of roads in proper condition I would refer the Deputy to my reply of the 26th June, 1946, to a question by Deputy Finucane regarding roads in County Kerry.
A committee on which there are two members representing the farming community is at present investigating the question of the use of horses and horse-drawn traffic on modern road surfaces, and it is expected that the report of the committee will be available early in the new year.