§ Mr. FLAVINasked if any inspection has been made by a competent engineer as to the situation of coal beds in the county of Kerry; and, if so, will he state in what parts of Kerry coal seams exist; 2056 what are their estimated areas; what is the estimated quality and quantity of coal in the different districts; and whether practical steps have been taken with the view of opening up and developing the coal beds in the county Kerry?
§ Mr. T. W. RUSSELLThe principal districts in Kerry where anthracite coal and culm occur are Rathea, Caherlevoy, and Knocknagashel. These, together with other districts in the county, have been inspected in recent years by the Department's mineral expert. He reports that the coal occurs in the lower coal measures, which only contain very thin seams of an average thickness of sis inches, and that the geological formation is much tilted and contorted. He is, therefore, of the opinion that it is improbable that coal would be found in workable and payable quantities. He also reports that bituminous coal does not exist in Kerry. At one time numerous pits were sunk in different parts of the county, but they were, abandoned long since, and no further work of this nature has been undertaken.
§ Mr. FLAVINWill the right hon. Gentleman ask his Department, to communicate with the county council with a view to the further consideration of the matter?
§ Mr. RUSSELLI have no difficulty about the inquiry, and I have no doubt about the facts I have given.