asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware of the grave hardship caused to the islanders of Innisnakellew Island, Claggan, Kilmeena, Westport, County Mayo, due to the inability of the Office of Public Works to construct a causeway from the island to the mainland; and that the project is held up owing to an objection instigated by a merchant on the mainland who is not directly concerned in the matter; and, if so, whether he will introduce proposals for legislation to get over this objection.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Proposed County Mayo Causeway.
The proposal referred to by the Deputy was submitted to the Special Employment Schemes Office some time ago. Some of the islanders who claimed that their interests were affected by the proposed work wrote to my office objecting to it on the grounds that it would obstruct the passage of their boats. The question was referred to my legal advisers, who were of the opinion that, as the indications were that the persons using the sea passage enjoyed it as of immemorial right, any interference therewith without the consent of such users would leave the Minister for Finance open to a claim for damages or an injunction, or both. In these circumstances, the proposal was not further proceeded with.
I do not propose to recommend the introduction of legislation to overcome the objection in this case.