asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that copper mines were worked by an English firm as late as 1910 in parts of the parish of Caherdaniel, Co. Kerry, and considering that this parish is a part of the Gaeltacht and that the people there are very poor, will he take steps to have these mines reported upon by experts, with the view of reopening them and giving much-needed employment.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - KERRY COPPER MINES.
I understand that about the time mentioned prospecting for copper took place in this district and was abandoned. If the Deputy will supply me with the name of the townland or townlands in question I will arrange for an inspection to be made. I have, however, no funds at my disposal which would enable me to take steps towards the reopening and working of deposits of this kind.
Is the Secretary aware that in 1925 herrings to the value of £2,000 were landed on this spot, and in 1926 herrings to the value of another £2,000 were landed? The pier is almost completely washed away, and there will be no place for a boat to land unless improvements are carried out.
I have stated that if the Deputy supplies me with the name of the townland or townlands, I will arrange for an inspection.
The Deputy evidently has made a mistake in his supplementary question.