asked the Minister for Finance when it is proposed to carry out repairs to the weir on the River Dee at Willistown, near Annagassan, County Louth, which was damaged four years ago and which was to be repaired by the Office of Public Works over two years ago.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Louth Weir Repair.
24.
The cost of repairing Willistown weir, which was damaged in March, 1970, is being met by the Louth County Council but they will not be in a position to provide the money until 1973. The commissioners will then put the work in hand.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary say whether there was a statement made to the effect that the weir would be repaired last year?
The position is that the Willistown weir was damaged in two separate explosions in 1970. A claim for malicious injuries was made on Louth County Council and in July, 1971, the county council consented to a decree of £2,835, which was the amount claimed, but it was not to be paid until funds would be available some time in 1973. The commissioners have no funds to carry out this work. Louth County Council will be concerned solely with the cost of repairs. There is also the problem of the dispute between the net men and the anglers. Until that dispute is resolved there will probably be recurring problems.
Because of the damage that was caused to the weir the net men are suffering considerable loss.
The weir suits one category of fishermen but not the other.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that those who earn their living from fishing should have precedence over those who fish for pleasure?
The work will be carried out in 1973 but there is other damage that will not be repaired until 1974.