asked the Minister for Finance the facilities that are available in the Phoenix Park, Dublin, for cricket, hockey, polo, motor racing, bicycle racing, cross-country running, tennis, athletics, swimming and bowling.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Phoenix Park Facilities.
48.
Mr. Kenny
Following is the information required: Cricket, two pitches; Hockey, played on one of the cricket pitches; Polo, one ground; Athletics, one ground reserved for the Army; Motor racing and Bicycle racing, no special facilities are provided but events are permitted each year; Cross-country Running, under special conditions. There are no facilities for tennis, swimming and bowling.
49.
asked the Minister for Finance when the municipal golf course near the Liffey in Dublin will be opened.
Mr. Kenny
For the reasons indicated by me here on 7th May, 1974, on the occasion of the introduction of Vote 9—Public Works and Buildings, it is not possible to say when the public golf course will be opened.
I have not read the full text of the Parliamentary Secretary's statement on the Estimate for the Office of Public Works. If I am repeating myself, I apologise. Do I read in the papers now that the corporation are negotiating to take away some of the area set aside for the extended golf course for road widening? If so, will the Parliamentary Secretary resist that proposal?
Mr. Kenny
The Deputy read in one of last Sunday's papers a snippet —it was on the second page to the right; I do not know who writes it——
I read it somewhere.
Mr. Kenny
But, anyhow, my name was mentioned. The trouble lies with Dublin Corporation. We had the plans and everything ready to hand over a contract. They came along and revised plans for the widening of the road at Chapelizod. That will mean that part of the second nine holes will be taken away. We must put up with that if we want to accede to their wishes on the road widening proposals. Therefore, we may not have an 18-hole course there.
As I understand it, the corporation are revising their plans and thinking of dealing with the road at two levels. Would it not be possible for the corporation to do as they planned originally—to come down on the other side of the road, not the golf course side? Admittedly some houses would have to be purchased, some private property.
Mr. Kenny
That is a matter for the corporation.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary not resist this proposal?
Mr. Kenny
I can resist but who would be the stronger?
The Parliamentary Secretary, of course.
(Interruptions.)
Mr. Kenny
It would be a delightful opportunity for me to resist. I would lead the Irish Army against the Jackeens.
50.
asked the Minister for Finance if playing pitches to the same, or greater, number as are at present in the Phoenix Park can be provided elsewhere in Dublin.
Mr. Kenny
It would not be possible to provide such playing pitches in any other properties under the control of the Commissioners of Public Works in the Dublin area.
Have the commissioners in mind any possible new purchases in the greater Dublin area or surrounding counties?
Mr. Kenny
The only other Dublin parks maintained by the commissioners are St. Enda's and St. Stephen's Green. It is hoped to have two GAA pitches in St. Enda's. St. Stephen's Green is, of course, out of the question for pitches.
51.
asked the Minister for Finance if the extent to which horse riding in the Phoenix Park, Dublin, by inexperienced riders is taking place is regarded as a danger to children.
52.
asked the Minister for Finance if he will define routes which may be used by horse riders in the Phoenix Park, Dublin.
Mr. Kenny
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 51 and 52 together.
There has been an increase in the number of horse riders using the Phoenix Park in recent times and I am concerned at the effect this is having on the condition and appearance of the park and with the danger involved to other users of the park, including children. It is intended to bring in new regulations for the control of horse riding and in this context the question of defining routes which may be used by horse riders is being considered.
Has this occurred only since the Minister for Labour started riding in the park?
Mr. Kenny
I did not hear the question Deputy.
I believe he is taking horse riding lessons in the park.
Mr. Kenny
Former Ministers did the very same.
(Interruptions.)
They never wore riding jackets.
Deputy Jim Tunney on a supplementary.
In respect of injury caused, could I ask the Parliamentary Secretary whether or not his office accept any responsibility?
The Deputy seems to be broadening the scope of the question.
It arises out of Question No. 51.
Mr. Kenny
If the Deputy would ask me the question he has just put at another time I will have available all the information relevant to that question.
53.
asked the Minister for Finance if he will give an assurance that model plane competitions in the Phoenix Park, Dublin will continue.
Mr. Kenny
So far as I am aware no organised competitions in the flying of model aeroplanes have been held in the Phoenix Park for many years. No permission has been granted or sought by aero modellers for the use of the Phoenix Park for the flying of their models.