asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he has seen reports by the Lismore Board of Fishery Conservators and the Youghal Harbour Commissioners in regard to the damage which will be caused to the fisheries in Youghal as a result of the erection of a new bridge at Ardsallagh, Youghal, and, if so, what action he proposes to take to protect the interests and livelihood of the fishermen concerned.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Youghal Bridge.
I am aware that objection has been made by one of the bodies mentioned to the erection of the proposed new bridge at Ardsallagh, Youghal. I am not satisfied that there are any good grounds on which it can be assumed that the erection of the bridge at the site proposed will injure the interests of the local fishermen.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that, on the statement made by those people, it will be absolutely impossible to cast their disc nets above the bridge and that five-eighths of the ground between the new bridge and the existing bridge will be absolutely useless for fishing? That is their statement and I think it is serious enough for the Parliamentary Secretary to take note of it.
The Deputy must be aware that the decision to authorise the erection of the new bridge at the Ardsallagh site was taken following the holding of a public inquiry in October, 1952, by an inspector of the Department of Local Government at which interested parties were entitled to give evidence. The Lismore Board of Fishery Conservators did not offer any evidence at that time.
Both fisheries notified the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Local Government both in 1952 and in 1953. They notified both.
Yes but there was no evidence given at the inquiry by the board. It is true to say that subsequently an objection was made to the inspector who conducted the inquiry and that the objection was very fully investigated by the engineering officers of the Department who were quite satisfied that there were no good grounds on which it could be assumed that the erection of the bridge at the site proposed would injure the fishermen. I may add, for the Deputy's information, that no additional evidence has since been received from the Lismore Board of Conservators or any other body that would warrant the opinion already expressed.
Was any examination made or any investigation carried out?
At that time, yes.