asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that sea erosion is occurring continually and causing serious damage to the holding of a person (name supplied) at Kerries West, Tralee, County Kerry; and that part of his holding is completely flooded for periods of the year; and if he is prepared to provide a grant to have the protective wall restored to save this man's land.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kerry Coast Erosion.
101.
This is not a matter which comes within the normal functions of the Land Commission — it seems more appropriate for consideration by the county council and the Commissioners of Public Works under the provisions of the Coast Protection Act, 1963.
Is the Minister aware that the owner of this holding is a married man with a young family? The work could be completed by the expenditure of £1,000 or £2,000 necessary to re-erect the protection wall which has been knocked down for some years as a result of sea erosion? If something is not done immediately, this man's farm will be washed away. Is the Minister further aware that on the next farm, which is not vested land, Land Commission employees are passing back and forth repairing breaches in the embankment and if the work I am referring to is not done this man's holding and other holdings in the area will be in danger, too.
It is a matter for the Commissioners of Public Works and the county council. I do not accept that it is a small job. My information is that it is a job of very considerable magnitude and that the cost would be very high. It is not the responsibility of my Department.
I would ask the Minister to re-examine this. It is most unfair that this man with a young family should be in danger of having his holding washed away. We are spending money day in and day out on the land reclamation scheme. This is a very good holding, one of the best in County Kerry. Surely a few thousand pounds would be money well spent to give this man an opportunity of protecting his land? I would ask the Minister to reconsider this, in view of the fact that he is spending money year in and year out to protect the embankments on the holding of this man's neighbour?