asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that owing to the closure for the past six years of the harbour at Fenit, County Kerry, grave unemployment has resulted in the area; and, if so, whether he will have this harbour reopened for shipping as soon as possible.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Reopening of County Kerry Harbour.
The Tralee and Fenit Pier and Harbour Commissioners were advised on the 10th September, 1946, that a State grant would be made available for the reconstruction of the viaduct and other specified works, but that no commitment should be entered into in connection with the works until the Kerry County Council had cancelled the mortgage debt due to them by the Harbour Commissioners. The power to remit the debt was provided in the Harbours Act, 1947, which became law in December, 1947. The statutory resolutions provided for in the Act were passed by the County Commissioner on the 28th January and 15th April, 1948, and the Minister for Local Government has agreed to make the necessary Order giving effect to these resolutions. When these matters have been settled the harbour authority will be in a position to proceed with the work.