asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has received any complaint with reference to the interference with the right of the public to use the beach at Scotchman's Point, Crosshaven, County Cork, for pleasure, and the prohibition of the right, established from time immemorial, of the public and fishermen to beach their boats at that point and to maintain them above high water mark, and, if so, whether he has taken, or proposes to take, any action in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Scotchman's Point.
The matter referred to in the question was reported to my Department in July last and has since been examined. The foreshore (that is the area below the line of high water mark) at Scotchman's Point is State-owned, but the area occupied by the passage way between the public road and the foreshore, and the area stated to have been used for beaching boats are privately owned. The preservation of public rights of way or of other public rights in private property would be a matter for civil action and there are no powers vested in the Minister for Industry and Commerce which would enable him to deal with the matter.