asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware of the necessity for constructing a slipway at Meelaguleen, Ballinskelligs, which will facilitate 45 fishermen and their families and if he will arrange for thecarrying through of the scheme at an early date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Kerry Slipway.
A proposal for the erection of a slipway at Meelaguleen (Dungeagan), Ballinskelligs, County Kerry, was under consideration in 1944, when it was found that the amount of fishing carried out at this place was small and would not justify the expenditure involved in the proposed work.
In any event, the position with regard to the provision of a new work such as a slipway is that, in February, 1950, the Kerry County Council adopted a resolution that in future they would accept no responsibility for marine works which are not the property of the council.
The erection of a new slipway would not come within the category covered by the council's resolution, and as the standard conditions under which grants are sanctioned for minor marine works provide that the county council concerned should contribute 25 per cent. of the cost and accept responsibility for maintenance when the work is completed, I cannot do anything in the matter.
If the proposal put forward by the county council is sent to his Department, will he again examine the matter, with a view to sanctioning the scheme, which is a very urgent and important matter for that area and which would facilitate a large number of fishermen and their families?
It will be examined if it is put up, but the first thing the Kerry County Council will have to do is to rescind the resolution referred to.