asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware that certain land reclamation schemes in the Skibbereen area are being held up owing to the fact that rivers in the area are affected by the rights of mills to use them as mill races; and that local farmers are thereby suffering considerable inconvenience and loss of production; and if he will take immediate steps, whether by legislation or otherwise, to extinguish these old mill-race rights, particularly in cases where the mill involved is no longer in production, and thereby enable the land reclamation schemes to be proceeded with.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - West Cork Reclamation Scheme.
50.
I understand that since the inception of the Land Project, only two proposed reclamation schemes in the Skibbereen area have been deferred for the reason stated. It is a matter of the applicants getting the consent of the owners concerned.
I have no powers to extinguish mill-race rights and it would not be appropriate for me to seek such powers.
Will the Minister not agree that this mill race has been out of action for many years, but that, as a result of the insistence of the owner, who is not now living in the district, reclamation projects have been held up because of its existence? Surely it is time to promote legislation to wipe out such rights?
I think there was a question about this mill as long ago as 1954 when there was a scheme involving nine riparian owners.
That is another mill. This particular one has not been in action for 50 years.
We have not got any particular demand in connection with this, but if anything were to be done about mill races, I do not think it would be a matter for me as Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries. However, I intend to have a survey made of these three mill races to see to what extent they are holding up land projects, but we have had no complaints.
They are deliberately holding it up.
The remaining Questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.
I propose to raise Questions Nos. 31, 35, 36 and 37 on the Adjournment.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
I did not hear the reply to Question No. 30 and I assume it was unsatisfactory. It it proves to be so, I will, with your permission, raise the matter on the Adjournment.