asked the Minister for Finance whether any tests have been made of the soil deficiencies in the lands of the Curragh; and, if so, with what result.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Curragh Soil Deficiency Tests.
No tests for soil deficiencies have been made on the lands of the Curragh, which, excluding the military encampment, are by statute subject to rights in common of free sheep grazing and cannot be used for other agricultural purposes.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary not think it might be advantageous to conduct a soil test on the Curragh, in view of the fact that it is common knowledge that the soil conditions of the Curragh are quite exceptional and require special treatment if their capacity to maintain sheep is to be preserved?
That would mean it would be taken over as a research centre?
No. It would simply mean having the soil tested with a view to determining whether there are any deficiencies in it inimical to the health of sheep grazed upon it.
The Deputy must be aware that no revenue accrues to the State from the grazing rights there.
That may be so, but the Parliamentary Secretary will agree with me that it is desirable to increase production if we can; and if we can make the grazing of sheep more profitable to those who graze sheep in common, it would be desirable at least to let them know what they have to do in order to get the maximum return from that area of land.
Would there be any possibility that the Aga Khan and other racehorse owners and trainers who infest the Curragh area would be encouraged to invest a little money in it?
If they could be informed as to what is necessary there, there is a chance that they might be induced to do that.
Is there any chance that it would be possible to clear the Curragh of the furze that is there?