asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that owing to the restrictions imposed by his Department on the drawing of sea sand from the Glenbeg beach, County Kerry, a grave loss is suffered by the farmers of Sneem, Tahilla, Blackwater, Glenlough and Castlecove and if in the circumstances he will have these restrictions revoked at an early date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Restrictions on Removal of Sea Sand.
I am advised that large-scale removals of sand from this foreshore would accelerate the natural erosion which is taking place. In order to avoid the hardship which a total prohibition on the removals of sand might cause to the local farming community, licences are granted to farmers living in 16 adjoining townlands authorising them to make limited removals of sand to fertilise their lands. Having regard to the damage from erosion which might be caused to land adjacent to the foreshore by an extension of these concessions, I regret that it is not possible to grant licences to farmers resident in the areas mentioned in the question. Licences may, however, be obtained on application for removal of sand from the White Strand at Killeen about three miles distant from Glenbeg.
Is the Minister aware that the limited quantities of sea sand which are supplied are not sufficient? Could some adjustment be made to increase the quota allowed under licence to farmers in the areas mentioned in the question?
My advice is that any extension of the facilities for the removal of sand would create a serious danger of erosion. The Deputy would be well advised to direct the attention of local farmers to the fact that they can get licences for the strand at Killeen, which is only three miles distant.