asked the Taoiseach if, in connection with the reported offer for sale of some of the Killarney Lakes and adjoining lands, he has now received the precise facts to which he made reference in the Dáil on 14th June last, and what steps the Government are taking to ensure that these properties cannot be acquired by foreign syndicates or persons who might exploit them solely for commercial purposes and in a manner harmful to the national interest.
Questions— Oral Answers. - Killarney Lakes.
Mr. de Valera
Since I replied to the Deputy's question on the 14th June, I have obtained a copy of the detailed prospectus of the proposed sale of some of the Killarney Lakes and adjoining lands. I have also discussed the matter with a deputation from the Killarney Tourist Development Company. I understand that the Company is endeavouring to raise funds for the purchase of the property, or some of it.
I observe from the prospectus that the lower and middle lakes are offered for sale as portion of the Kenmare estate. From documents which came into the possession of the Commissioners of Public Works when the Bourn Vincent Memorial Park was taken over by the State, it appears that the ownership of the bed and soil of, and of the fishing rights on, the two lakes in question as well as the ownership of the Upper Lake and the Long Range was, since about 1748, the subject of dispute between the Earls of Kenmare and the Herberts (the predecessors to the Minister for Finance in the title to the Bourn Vincent Memorial Park). It is necessary, therefore, to make it clear that the State has never waived or abandoned any right or title which their predecessors in title, the Herberts, possessed or enjoyed in the lakes.
The Government are giving careful consideration to the question of how best to ensure that the property is not exploited to the national detriment. This might require action either under existing legislation, or, possibly, under new legislation. Consideration is being given to the question whether a Bill applying, not merely to Killarney, but generally to our natural beauty spots and tourist amenities, would be the appropriate method of dealing with the matter. I can, in any event, repeat the assurance which I gave to the Deputy on the 14th June last, namely, that the Government will see that the national interests are not prejudiced by any sale.