asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, having regard to the guarantee given by him at column 111 of the Official Report of debates dated 27th May, 1952, in connection with the removal of weeds from the River Shannon in the vicinity of Athlone, he will state (a) the nature of his representations to An Bord Fáilte on the matter and (b) the action taken by the board thereon.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cleaning of River Shannon.
In accordance with the undertaking which I gave the Deputy on 27th May, 1952, I brought this matter to the notice of An Bord Fáilte and suggested that they should initiate discussions with the local authorities and other interested local bodies with a view to having the necessary work of clearance carried out. I am informed by the board that the matter was discussed with the local authority concerned but that this body could not be prevailed upon to undertake the work under the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act, 1948, on the grounds that the weeds were not injurious to health. Subsequently the board raised the matter with the local Tóstal council but as it transpired in the meantime that the Athlone Anglers' Association had decided to carry out the work, the council decided that no further action was necessary.