asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that the Fair Field, Killarney, was originally purchased by the Urban District Council with the express intention of providing an adequate market place; that this purpose has now been defeated by their action in letting part of it and intending in the near future to lease more of it; and, if so, whether, in view of the fact that the site as a whole is barely adequate for the fairs and that it has always been a marketing place for the people of Killarney, even before its purchase, he will restrain the local authority from selling or letting any part of it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Killarney Market Place.
Mr. Murphy
The answer to the first part of the question is "Yes." The Department has received no recent proposal in regard to the letting of portion of the site. Such a proposal would be subject to my approval, and I would not agree to any sale or letting which would be likely to interfere in any way with the holding of fairs and markets. Approval was given in July, 1947, to the sale of a small portion of the fair green containing 128 sq. yards approximately, but this sale did not affect the holding of fairs and markets.