asked the Minister for Agriculture if representations have been made to him regarding the difficulty of delivering ground limestone, fertilisers or other manurial ingredients to the farmers of Valentia Island to enable them to rehabilitate their impoverished lands; and, if so, if he will initiate some suitable arrangements by which these manures may be safely and expeditiously delivered to the farmers concerned, for example, by means of special sea transport to Valentia Pier or by some other means pending the erection of the Valentia mainland viaduct.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Limestone Delivery (Kerry).
I have recently received a communication in which mention is made of difficulties in the way of reclaiming and manuring land on Valentia Island.
As far as the land rehabilitation project is concerned, I am informed that those farmers on the island who have made application are satisfied with the arrangements we have made.
The Deputy is no doubt aware that in the matter of ground limestone the islanders can now have six ton lots delivered to the nearest hard road site on the mainland for 16/- per ton.
The distribution of artificial fertilisers operates through normal trade channels and is not a matter for my Department.