asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he can state (a) what is the cause of delay in re-opening the limestone quarries in Tureenamult, Gneeveguilla, Rathmore, Kerry; (b) when he expects the quarries to open, and (c) who is at present in control of the quarries.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - KERRY LIMESTONE QUARRIES.
I cannot state the cause of delay in re-opening the quarry in question, nor have I any information as to when it may open. As regards the last part of the question, I understand that on the occasion of a sale under the Land Purchase Acts, this quarry was conveyed by the vendor to trustees to be held by them on trust to work and develop it for the use and benefit of the tenant purchasers on the estate and on other estates of the vendor so as to ensure a supply of limestone and lime for the cultivation of the tenants' holdings. I have not control over this quarry, and any question as to its working would appear to be a matter for the trustees and beneficiaries. I am informed unofficially that the difficulty which the trustees found themselves in arose over a particular house, and that another department is endeavouring to get that difficulty settled, after which there may be no obstacle to the working of the quarry.