asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that officers of his Department prevented the people of Glenbeigh parish from cutting on Rossbeigh Island white straw which was used for thatch on dwelling-houses in the area, and that this action by the Land Commission is imposing serious loss on these people; and, if so, whether he will have the matter re-examined at an early date, and have permission accorded to these people to cut this straw, which constitutes the main portion of their roofing material.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Straw for Thatching.
This question appears to refer to the prohibition on the cutting of bent grass at Rossbehy peninsula. Owing to serious deterioration of the bent grass and resultant danger of sand blowing, it was found necessary to prohibit last November the cutting of bent grass or white straw in this area. It would not be advisable, nor in the interests of the tenants themselves to withdraw the prohibition order until all danger of sand blowing is past.
Is the Minister aware that the deterioration referred to occurs on one small area of the island only and as the island is three miles in extent will he not advise the Land Commission to allow the people concerned to remove this straw from the other portions of the island? If they are not allowed, it will be detrimental to their interests because they have been using the straw for the past 50 years without hindrance.
It is true that the peninsula comprises a fairly substantial acreage and that the bent grass was planted by the landlord and the tenants had the right to cut the grass for roofing. In 1949, however, it was found that unless the cutting was prohibited the sand blowing would be increased. Expert advice has been given to me that there is a danger owing to the sand blowing of the entire area being destroyed and I think we should persuade the tenants to give up for the present the rights which they had. I will, however, go into the matter further and, if the Deputy wishes to bring any further information before me which would enable me to bring to the notice of the Land Commission that the tenants could be given the right to cut a limited portion of the bent grass without general deterioration, I will go into the matter.