asked the Minister for Finance whether he has received a copy of a resolution passed at a meeting of the Athlone Inland Waterways Association regarding the cutting off of access to the foreshore of the Shannon at Athlone where a public right of way has existed for seventy years; and what action he has taken in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Access to Shannon Foreshore.
3.
I received a copy of the Resolution referred to on 13th December, 1960. As the Association were informed in reply to a previous communication, the wall has been erected on private property. Accordingly, I have no authority to intervene in the matter.
Is it not a fact that the public had a right-of-way for the last 70 years to the foreshore where this wall has been erected. In view of that and in view of the serious damage likely to be done to tourism will the Parliamentary Secretary not consider it his business to take some steps in the matter?
I am afraid that the fact that it is in private property precludes me from interfering even though what the Deputy says may be true. I am not in a position to say one way or the other.