asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that, as a result of an Order made by him, farmers in the Castlecove and Caherdaniel areas, County Kerry, are prevented from obtaining sea sand as manure from the foreshore at Glenbeg; and, if so, whether, in view of the great loss of this natural fertiliser to the farmers concerned, he will have the Order revoked.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Use of Sea Sand in County Kerry.
An Order has not been made prohibiting the removal of beach materials from the foreshore at Glenbeg. A licence under the Foreshore Act, 1933, is required for the removal of any beach material, including sand, from below the high water mark on State-owned foreshore, which includes Glenbeg. An inspection of this area has recently been carried out and I have been advised that unrestricted removals of sand have caused an acceleration of the natural erosion which is taking place. To avoid undue hardship arrangements have been made to grant licences, on application, to farmers living in the adjoining eight townlands to make removals of sand for use on their own lands, seaward of a line 60 feet below the high water mark. A number of licences has already been granted.