asked the Minister for Lands if he will consider declaring the Boyne estuary a bird sanctuary.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Boyne Bird Sanctuary.
49.
I am aware of the importance of the Boyne estuary as a wintering and passage ground for migratory waterfowl and waders and I am having the situation there kept under review.
If there is evidence of over-shooting or undue disturbance of wildfowl in the estuary, I would certainly consider making an order prohibiting shooting on all or part of the estuary.
Would the Minister remember when he is having the matter considered that the drainage of the Boyne will have similar results as the drainage of other rivers, the disappearance of a lot of wet lands used by wild fowl? The result will be that the Boyne estuary will be far more important from this year onwards than it has been up to now and will be nearly the only hope of a oird sanctuary in that part of the country? On that account would the minister consider treating the matter as urgent?
I am aware from my colleague that it is a matter which he has under observation and he is treating it with due attention.
Could the Minister say how soon a final decision on the matter will be taken?
The question is whether the Boyne estuary will be declared a bird sanctuary. There is no reference there to the question of the drainage of the Boyne as such. It was considered that the question referred to the possibility of over-shooting in that area rather than the effect just mentioned by the Deputy.
It proves the local man knows more about those matters than the experts. Would the Minister convey to his colleagues the comments which I have made?
I will do so.