asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that, last year, in response to the request of the Taoiseach and the Minister for Local Government to the local authorities for particulars of schemes of national importance and lasting benefits the Kerry County Council put forward, among other schemes, the construction of a fresh-water lake by damming the river Fertha at the railway bridge near Cahirciveen; if this scheme has received consideration; and with what result.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cahirciveen Fresh Water Lake.
12.
I am aware of this proposal which has been considered by the Economic Development Branch of my Department in consultation with the official bodies concerned. As a result of this examination, the Kerry County Council has been informed that it would be economically unwise to undertake the construction of a fresh-water lake until existing fresh-water lakes are fully developed. The Minister for Lands has already indicated his attitude to the proposal in a reply to a similar question on 10th May, 1960.
Is the Minister aware that we are not concerned at all with other fresh water lakes but that Cahirciveen is an undeveloped area and a fresh-water lake there would bring tourists to the district? Is he further aware that in order that this inland lake would be constructed, the railway bridge there could act as part of the dam and would he ask the Minister for Transport and Power to prevent the demolition of that bridge?
Surely that is going too far.
This all refers to the construction of this lake. Would the Minister ask the Minister for Transport and Power to prevent the demolition of this bridge which would form part of the dam for the lake? Even if this Government will not take any action in connection with the construction of this fresh-water lake a future Government will.
That does not arise.
That is the position. In view of the unsatisfactory reply, I propose to raise this matter on the adjournment because it is very important for the people of Iveragh and the Gaeltacht area of Kerry.
I shall communicate with the Deputy.