asked the Minister for Finance whether he will consider making available an acreage in the west area of Phoenix Park, Dublin for the purposes of a municipal golf course; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Municipal Golf Course.
42.
I am convinced that a public golf course is urgently needed.
The proposal that an area of the Phoenix Park be set aside for a public golf course has been considered on a number of occasions. It was very fully examined as recently as 1968 when it was decided not to proceed with the proposal.
The Commissioners of Public Works have commissioned a firm of landscape consultants to investigate the potential for recreation purposes of the Phoenix Park extension which lies to the south of the River Liffey between Islandbridge and Chapelizod. I have arranged that the possibility of providing public golfing facilities in this area will be considered by the consultants.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary state when we can expect work to start on this golf course?
The consultants are in now and I am expecting a report from them within a couple of months. Then we shall know the feasibility of the proposition.
Is it intended to introduce only one golf course into the city or has the Parliamentary Secretary ideas for a second municipal golf course?
At present I have ideas for only one 18-hole golf course.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that persons in the lower income group are denied the pleasure of playing golf because there is not even one public golf course in the whole country? Is he further aware of the efforts of the Homeless Golfers' Association in this regard?
I agree absolutely that people, not only because of their financial standing but even because of the description of their occupations, have been denied access to golf clubs. I am very much interested in the work of the homeless golfers and I should like to encourage them in every way possible.
Is this matter being regarded by the Parliamentary Secretary's office as a matter of urgency?
Yes, it is being dealt with as a matter of urgency.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary indicate why it was decided to take the golf course the far side of the Liffey?
The reason is that when this matter was examined as recently as 1968 there were quite a number of people who found objection to locating it in the Park, and I believe that any objections of this nature will be overcome by locating it on the other side of the river.