asked the Minister for Local Government if he will take steps, if necessary by the introduction of legislation, to prevent the despoliation of the beauty of the Lakes of Killarney by the erection of buildings on the lake shore; if not why; and if he is satisfied that Bord Fáilte have sufficient power to take action in such cases.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Preservation of Lakes of Killarney.
9.
The powers available to planning authorities under the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, include provisions specifically intended to prevent despoliation of areas of great natural beauty and further legislation does not appear to be necessary for this purpose. Bord Fáilte, with other prescribed authorities, must be informed by the planning authorities of proposals for building on the lake shore and are thus in a position to appeal against any permissions or approvals given for development which might prove injurious to the scenic amenities of the area.
Is the Minister aware that a row of red-roofed bungalows has been for some years on the banks of one of the major lakes of Killarney and there has been no move to remove these bungalows in consultation with the local authority?
There is an agreement that they will be removed by March, 1969.
Is the Minister aware that these bungalows are being used to house the technical staff of a German firm in Killarney which employs up to 700 people? It would be a very serious thing if anything happened which would mean these men leaving the country, thus putting this great industry in jeopardy.
There appears to be a little difference of opinion here.
Is the Minister further aware that the natives of Killarney, those who have some ancestors in Killarney, are concerned that the whole future of the tourist industry there will be jeopardised so long as bungalows abut on one of the major resort lakes? There is no objection to getting houses for key people in foreign industries in other parts of Killarney without going on to one of the major assets of the area. I am surprised to hear a Deputy, whom I understand gets some votes in Killarney, coming out against an attack on those who are in fact harming the tourist industry.
The people in Killarney know well that industry and tourism can go hand in hand there.
They should go hand in hand for the protection of the tourist industry.
Kerry County Council and Killarney Urban Council can well handle the Planning Act.
This is a valuable industry and some Deputies resent the fact that it is there.