asked the Minister for Transport and Power what royalties his Department have received from a firm (name supplied) for removal of gravel from the river Slaney during the past three years; and if he will consider transmitting such royalties in whole or in part to the Wexford Harbour Board.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Slaney River Royalties.
29.
The amount of royalties received during the past three years from the firm in respect of removals of dredged materials from the bed of the River Slaney is £2,072 3s 2d.
The area of the river bed involved is State-owned. I am empowered under the Foreshore Act, 1933, to grant licences for the removal of materials from there, subject to payment of a royalty or fee. The Act requires that all receipts from such royalties or fees shall be paid into the Exchequer.
Is there any answer to the second part of the question which is: "if he will consider transmitting such royalties in whole or in part to the Wexford Harbour Board?"
I do not propose to do that. I do not think it is practicable.
Why?
It involves a change in legislation.
There is nothing to stop the Minister being generous. There is no legislation against it.
It comes under the Foreshore Act, 1933. It is State owned and, therefore, royalties accrue to the State rather than to the harbour board.
Yes, but the Minister is aware that Wexford Harbour Board have sought funds from the Minister's Department for the purpose of development. I know that the Minister very courteously met a deputation down there but they did not get anything. Would he not consider making the amende honorable by giving them a portion of this income?
The question of a grant is another day's work.
In view of the fact that the Minister's Department did get some £2,000 in the past few years would he not now give the harbour board a decision as to whether they are to get this £3,000 for the survey? The Government is not so bankrupt that they could not do this.
The Deputy appreciates that this is a separate matter.
But it is a long time ago since the Minister saw a very affable deputation in Wexford and the Minister was pretty affable himself. They are still waiting for a decision.
I shall deal with that but not under this heading. It can be done by way of straight grant to the harbour board. I am having consultations with the Department of Finance.
Over 12 months?
It is pending.