§ Mr. HUGH BARRIEasked what has been the total cost for each to the Agricultural Department of the agricultural colleges founded by them at Clonakilty, Athenry, and Ballyhaise, respectively; and has any contribution in reduction of such cost been received from any of the counties served by these colleges?
The HON. MEMBERalso asked what is the annual cost of running the agricultural colleges at Clonakilty, Athenry, and Ballyhaise, respectively; and what proportion of the cost is borne by the Department and what by the agricultural committees of the several counties served?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThere is no agricultural college at Athenry. There is an agricultural station at that place, whence live stock for the Department's schemes for the West of Ireland are distributed, and where certain apprentices are taken in connection with the farming operations carried on there. The cost of acquiring the lands and providing the buildings has been £23,117. The annual cost of maintenance is approximately £2,000. The station has been established five years. At both Ballyhaise and Clonakilty there are agricultural schools as well as stations, which have been 1309 established for five years. The lands at Clonakilty are rented; the cost incurred in connection with buildings has been £5,627, and the approximate annual cost of maintenance is £2,000. The lands at Ballyhaise are also rented, pending the completion of an agreement for purchase; the cost incurred in connection with buildings has been £4,804, and the approximate annual cost of maintenance is £3,000. These stations are not intended to serve any particular counties. The schools at Ballyhaise and Clonakilty receive pupils from all parts of Ireland, but the Ballyhaise school receives them mainly from Ulster, and the Clonakilty school mainly from Munster. The Athenry station serves chiefly the western congested districts. No county committees have made contributions in respect of the cost of these institutions.