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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 13 May 1969

Vol. 240 No. 7

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - River Foyle Island.

6.

asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware that Corkan Isle and Island More, the three-mile-long island in the River Foyle which was the subject of protracted legal proceedings, is now cut off from the Donegal side of the river as a result of the destruction of the ford at Druminaw following the unauthorised removal of gravel from the river bed over the past eight years; that 280 acres of valuable farmland in which the State invested several thousand pounds by way of grants has been put out of production; and that the owner has consequently been forced to have the rateable valuation reduced; what action he proposes to take to remedy this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The owners of Corkan Isle and Island More have alleged in correspondence with my Department that the ford which gave access to these islands has disappeared as a result of unauthorised removals of gravel from the bed of the River Foyle. I am advised that I have no legal liability to the owners of the islands and that it rests with them to take such action as they may find proper to meet the situation which they allege exists and to minimise the losses alleged by them to have been incurred.

Proceedings have been instituted in the courts in regard to the unauthorised removals of gravel from the bed of the River Foyle near these islands and these proceedings are sub judice.

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