Connemara Mines of Undeveloped Wealth — Great Commercial Possibilities for the Marble Quarries — Markets but no Supply — An Irish Industry Awaiting Enterprise

The Connacht Tribune, Christmas Number, Saturday, December 8, 1928.

("Connacht Tribune" Special Correspondent).

There is no reason why the marble industry in Connemara should not occupy a premier position in Irish industries. Even a superficial study of the mineral resources of Connemara discloses some interesting facts. Amidst its mountain fastnesses lies an undeveloped wealth of green and white marble, countless thousands of tons of precious stone, for which a ready market awaits it through the world.

Perhaps at no time since marble was first discovered in Connemara are there greater possibilities afforded for its development that at the present moment. It has now become apparent that the old and cumbersome methods employed in quarrying the material have been superseded by the introduction of modern machinery.

It is obvious that the great failure in making the marble industry profitable in Connemara in the past has been caused by the lack of proper machinery for quarrying operations and the inadequate transport facilities afforded in the ultimate removal of the material for shipment aboard. In the past the quarrying of the blocks, owing to lack of proper plant was carried out in a haphazard manner, no regard to specification, or any idea as to experience, with the result that here was a loss of ceremony, and in consequence a loss of trade in the world's markets, it being clearly demonstrated that the promoters of the enterprise were not in a position to deliver the goods.

There is no reason why the marble industry in Connemara could not be developed on proper commercial lines. The material, it cannot be denied, is there in abundance. At the outset, it might not be out of place to draw attention to what is being done in the development of the mineral resources of Wales. North Wales, where magnificent granite and slate quarries have been opened up and developed on scientific lines, the general contour of the county bears a striking resemblance to the wide tract of country which Connemara embraces. Other mineral resources of Connemara are of infinitely greater value than the mineral resources of Wales, yet the mineral resources of the latter country are developed to such and extent as to afford employment to a large percentage of the population.

Stretching across Connemara, from Recess to Clifden, are seams of green and white marble, as disclosed from geological surveys, but this valuable mineral is being worked only at two points namely, Lisoughter, Recess, and at Letternoosh, near Clifden. Along this huge vein of marble there are other quarries which were opened years ago and allowed to fall into disuse. For instance, at Cloonacarton, Recess, there is a quarry of green marble of rare quality. The location of this quarry is extremely favorable for its effectual working, in view of the fact that it is quite convenient to Recess Railway station, and is supplied by a good road which runs up the valley linking Recess and Kylemore.

Again, in the valley of Bawrnanoraun, near Ballinahinch, there are quarries of green and white marble, which were worked some 70 years ago by a Mr. Martin, who at that time owned the Ballinahinch Estate. In those days, there were not the same transport facilities we enjoy today, and the blocks of marble when quarried were conveyed down the rough mountain road to Cloonisle Quay, on the sea coast near Cashel, some miles away, from whence they were shipped direct to countries abroad. The construction of the railway line between Galway and Clifden was not in contemplation at that time. Now a railroad has been built, and there is in existence the foundation of a good road connecting Ballinahinch and Bawrnanoraun, which could be trucked at little cost, thus affording ready access to the mine of wealth awaiting development in the Bawrnanoraun valley. Here, again, the State has miserably failed in not helping in the development of Irish industries, as some financial assistance should be given to help to construct decent roads to these quarries. This would considerably enhance the possibility of the acquisitions of these quarries by private companies, as the chief drawback in the development of the marble industry in Connemara is the lack of properly constructed roads. Lack of capital militates against the proper development of the marble industry in Connemara, inasmuch as the inaccessibility of most of the districts where good marble rebounds', necessitates the laying down of roads, and private companies do not feel disposed to sink their capital in the laying down of roads which is essentially a task to be undertaken by the State in the particular circumstances.

Leaving Bawrnaneraun, some short distance further on towards Clifden, is situated the derelict marble quarry at Cregg. It would appear that years ago, but within the recollection of some of the oldest inhabitants, blocks of marble, when quarried, were transported down the mountain valley out to Ballinakill Bay for shipment. Over a mile of rough ground had to be traversed before an old road was reached, and it was necessary to use planks in shirting the blocks of marble along.

Since those days a tremendous advancement has been made, both in machinery and transport facilities, and there is not a reason why these marble quarries should not be developed to such an extent as to become the leading industry of the country. Connemara green marble enjoys a reputation all its own, and fears no competition. It is world renowned, and the small quantities finding its way to far distant countries is infinitesimal, notwithstanding the fact that ready markets exist for the distribution of large quantities.

It is true, unfortunately, that Connemara white marble does not enjoy the same superiority as green marble, as serious competition is to be met with in Italian white marble. Even the importation of Italian white marble into this country has a very serious effect on home product, inasmuch as white marble headstones, and other ornaments, exquisitely craved at the hands of Italian craftsmen find a ready market here. Cheap Italian labor, combined with low freightage, accounts to a greater extent for the fact that Italian white marble headstones, exquisitely carved, mantel pieces, pillars, etc can be imported in to this country at a price which compares favorable in the cost of similar goods finished in Connemara white marble at home.

It is hoped that the marble industry will soon be developed upon lines which will make it one of outstanding importance in Connemara, create additional employment, and afford a profitable return for the capital invested.