asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware of interference to the weir at Inniscarra, County Cork, the property of the Department of Defence, the consequent flooding of land and the prevention of fish getting through; and if he proposes to take action in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork Weir.
74.
I am aware that there was interference with the weir and that work was carried out to it without the authority of my Department. The matter has been referred to the Chief State Solicitor with a view to legal action being taken in respect of the trespass on and damage to my Department's property.
The weir was damaged by an explosion on 19th May, 1970. This damage was reported immediately afterwards to the local State Solicitor for lodgment of a preliminary notice of claim for compensation against the local authority under the Malicious Injuries Acts.
Is the Minister referring to the damage caused last September or to the recent damage? If the Minister is referring to the damage last September will he admit that there is immense political pressure being brought to bear on him as Minister for Defence and that there was immense political pressure brought to bear on him when he was Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries? Does the Minister consider it took a very long time to bring those people to justice?
I should disregard the reckless statements of the Deputy. The matter is in the hands of the Chief State Solicitor and I am not going to say anything more about it.
Will the Minister agree it took a long time to take action in this case despite repeated requests from interested bodies?