asked the Minister for Fisheries whether he is aware that for the past few years drift sand has been gradually encroaching on the lands held by tenants on the McDonnell Estate at Valley, Achill; whether he is aware that very considerable damage has been done to the crops this year; that in many cases it has been impossible to harvest the potatoes and root crops sown last spring; that the holding of one tenant has been completely covered with sand, while very large portions of others have been rendered unfit for grazing or cultivation, and if he will say what steps are being taken to prevent the encroachment of the sand, and to compensate the tenants concerned, for the losses they have suffered.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - McDONNELL ESTATE (ACHILL).
The general problem of the prevention of damage caused to holdings by the disintegration of sand dunes during storms, and the deposit of storm-borne sand on the holdings, has been engaging attention. Expert opinion has been obtained as to the best preventive measures, including the development and spreading of suitable grasses with natural binding properties and the planting of shelter belts of trees.
As regards the estate of Leslie Elliott (formerly McDonnell Estate) referred to in the Deputy's question, the Land Commission have had a full report by their Inspector regarding damage to holdings by sand-blowing, and this case will be considered with other estates similarly affected.
Last spring the Land Commission distributed the untenanted land on this estate, and they gave special consideration to the claims of tenants whose home holdings had deteriorated as a result of sand-blowing.