Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 1 May 1968

Vol. 234 No. 5

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Acquisition of Scenic Areas.

3.

Mr. Treacy

asked the Minister for Transport and Power if his attention has been drawn to reports that a German syndicate wishes to purchase large areas of common land in County Waterford, including several lakes such as Coumfea, Cumolough, the Stillogues and other areas greatly valued by local people for recreation, hillwalking and fishing; and if he will make a statement as to whether it is the Government's intention to forbid any transfer into private hands of common land and access to places of recreational value and natural beauty.

4.

Mr. Treacy

asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware of the considerable apprehension felt by the people of the Nire Valley area, County Waterford and neighbouring towns as to the future of the area; and if he will clearly establish that it is the Government's policy to protect such scenic areas from artificial intrusion and to maintain free access to them.

5.

Mr. Treacy

asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether he has powers, and if not whether he will take steps to acquire such powers, to compensate farmers and others who may suffer financial loss owing to the prevention by public authorities of private or foreign interests acquiring sole rights to places of recreational value and natural beauty.

Mr. Childers

I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Question Nos. 3, 4 and 5 together.

I have seen the reports to which the Deputy refers. I understand that the Land Act, 1965, and the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, contain powers to control the sale of land to non-nationals and the development of land respectively. Questions about the administration of these Acts should be addressed to the Ministers for Lands and Local Government respectively.

Mr. Dillon

Is it not notorious that operations of this kind are making a substantial contribution to the favourable balance of payments situation to which the Minister for Finance referred? We are selling out the country for cash and the Minister is probably aware of that. Is it the Government's policy to allow it to go on indefinitely and are we to be left no land on which to stand save by licence of foreign purchasers?

Mr. Childers

It is not my function to reply to this question. The Deputy is obviously grossly and enormously exaggerating.

Mr. Dillon

Large areas of Waterford and South Tipperary are in question.

Mr. Childers

Nothing definite has happened as the Deputy will learn when he hears the answers from the other Ministers.

Mr. Dillon

It is before it happens, not afterwards, that we want the answers.