asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that the traditional rights-of-way around the Hill of Howth are being built on by private individuals, especially in the case of the "Priest's Path" on the south side of the hill, and, if so, if he will take such steps as are necessary to have these rights-of-way preserved for the use of the public.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hill of Howth Rights-of-Way.
I have received no complaints or representations on this subject. In the case of interference with a public right-of-way, a remedy may be sought through the courts, where necessary with the aid of the Attorney-General. Where building is involved or any other development coming within the scope of the Town and Regional Planning Acts, control may be exercised by the planning authority for the area, and the Deputy might bring this aspect of the matter to the notice of Dublin Corporation.
Is the Minister aware that my question specifically deals with old traditional rights-of-way round the Hill of Howth and will the Minister say what he can do to protect these old traditional rights-of-way and have them left there for the use of the public? Further arising out of my question, I should like to say that the shelving of this matter by the Department and by the local authority is causing the people a lot of annoyance in Howth.
Is the Deputy asking questions?
Would the Minister now consider going into the matter more fully and would he see what can be done about it?
I am quite sympathetic towards the Deputy's concern about this matter, but I have given him the remedy which lies in the law courts or in representations to the local authority. I feel quite sure that if the Deputy would approach the local authority in the manner in which he approached this matter in the House he would not get a deaf ear. I have no function at all in this matter. In fact, the Deputy might as well have addressed his question to any other Minister.
Arising further out of the Minister's reply, that was one of the reasons why I put down this. I want the Minister to take responsibility for seeing that this matter is remedied. The local authorities say they have no machinery to put the matter right. If the Minister has no function in protecting the rights of these people he should see that the local authority are compelled to do so.
The Deputy has asked me on several occasions to keep my nose out of local authority affairs and that is what I am now doing.