asked the Minister for Finance if the pavilion provided for the camogie pitches in the Phoenix Park, Dublin is for the exclusive use of females.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Phoenix Park Amenities.
48.
Mr. Kenny
The user of the camogie pavilion in the Phoenix Park is a matter for Cumann Camóguidheachta na nGaedheal who hold it under licence from the Commissioners of Public Works.
I have been trying to establish this for some weeks. I did not have an opportunity to go up and see for myself over the weekend. Can the Parliamentary Secretary tell me, in the case of the pavilion there, if the ladies are changing, the gentlemen then have no access to the WC facilities? Is that correct?
Mr. Kenny
The Deputy wants the ladies and gents to change together does he?
No, I understand that if the ladies are changing the gents are then denied access.
Mr. Kenny
I do not understand what the Deputy is saying.
There is only one pavilion. If the ladies are in changing, the gents have not access. The Parliamentary Secretary might take another look at this matter.
(Interruptions.)
We shall have to streak on to the next question.
49.
asked the Minister for Finance the number of lakes in the Phoenix Park, Dublin; and the use made of them.
Mr. Kenny
There are five lakes or ponds in the Phoenix Park, apart from those in the Zoological Gardens and Áras an Uachtaráin. The Citadel Pond, also known as the Dog Pond, is used by children for sailing toy boats and other children's pastimes. The other ponds are not actively used for recreation but are maintained as features of the park landscape.
50.
asked the Minister for Finance if he will ensure that gas lights and the low back iron railings will be maintained in the Phoenix Park, Dublin.
Mr. Kenny
The Commissioners of Public Works intend to maintain the gas lights and iron railings in the Phoenix Park.
51.
asked the Minister for Finance if efforts will be made to maintain chestnut, lime and beech trees in the Phoenix Park, Dublin.
Mr. Kenny
The answer is "Yes".
52.
asked the Minister for Finance if he will arrange for band and orchestral recitals in the Band Hollow in the Phoenix Park, Dublin.
Mr. Kenny
The matter will be considered if a demand arises for such recitals. At present, there is no demand from the general public for such performances.
In view of the fact that this type of performance has been so successful in St. Stephen's Green, and taking into account the large numbers who visit the Phoenix Park particularly at weekends, would the Parliamentary Secretary not consider arranging for the Army Band to entertain the people at the weekends?
Mr. Kenny
If there was a demand for musical entertainment in the Hollow we would consider it favourably. However, up to the present there has been no such demand.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary indicate how he decided that the people in that vicinity had no ear for music? How did he determine there was no demand?
Mr. Kenny
I never suggested the people in that area were crows or that they had not a musical ear. If there is a public demand, or a demand from Deputies or otherwise, for a public recital by any band in The Hollow we will consider it favourably.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary arrange to have a poll taken during a weekend in connection with this matter?
Mr. Kenny
I cannot arrange that. The Deputy has asked very many questions about facilities in the Phoenix Park and I am sure he could arrange that.
The best way for the Parliamentary Secretary to determine if there is a demand is to have a few performances and see how many people turn up for them.
Mr. Kenny
That is one of the best suggestions we have heard today.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary do it?
Mr. Kenny
I cannot promise I will do it, but I will consider the suggestion.
The Parliamentary Secretary does not provide the performances in St. Stephen's Green.
I am calling Question No. 53.
53.
asked the Minister for Finance if he will arrange extensions to the Dublin Zoo.
Mr. Kenny
A request from the Royal Zoological Society of Ireland for a further extension of the boundaries of the zoo has been received and is under consideration.
54.
asked the Minister for Finance if the citadel dog pond in the Phoenix Park, Dublin could be developed for boating, fishing and other water activities.
Mr. Kenny
That is being considered in conjunction with other proposals for the Phoenix Park.
55.
asked the Minister for Finance how the deer herds in the Phoenix Park, Dublin have progressed recently in numbers and quality.
Mr. Kenny
In November, 1973, on the occasion of the last annual count, the deer herd in the Phoenix Park numbered 259, an increase of 25 over the number for the previous year. The general condition of the herd is good.
56.
asked the Minister for Finance if he will reduce the number of cattle in the Phoenix Park, Dublin to 500.
Mr. Kenny
The number of cattle grazing in the Phoenix Park is reviewed each year in the light of the previous year's experience to determine the maximum limit that is commensurate with good husbandry and the amenity user of the park by the general public. In the circumstances adopting a limit of 500 would not be practicable.
57.
asked the Minister for Finance if he has considered the operation, under licence and subject to the necessary conditions, of riding stables in the Phoenix Park, Dublin.
58.
asked the Minister for Finance the steps that are taken to ensure that horses keep to the routes laid down for them in the Phoenix Park, Dublin.
59.
asked the Minister for Finance if it is proposed that stables which provide a private horse hire service in all national parks will accept liability for injury to people and damage to property caused by the horses.
60.
asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider the introduction of cinder tracks in the Phoenix Park, Dublin.
Mr. Kenny
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take questions Nos. 57, 58, 59 and 60 together.
The whole question of horse riding in the Phoenix Park is still under consideration. The points made by the Deputy are being examined in this context.
With regard to the matter of liability in the case of accidents arising from horse riding in the Phoenix Park, the position is that the redress available to any person who might be injured would depend on the circumstances of the particular case.
61.
asked the Minister for Finance if visitors to the Phoenix Park, Dublin can expect to have the quite of the west side maintained as compared with the activity of the east side.
Mr. Kenny
In planning for the future management of the Phoenix Park the maintenance of the natural and peaceful character of the western area of the park will be given special consideration.
62.
asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider the provision of facilities such as a café, toilets and car park near the Wellington Monument in the Phoenix Park, Dublin.
Mr. Kenny
The general question of facilities for the public in the Phoenix Park is under consideration.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary state what is under consideration?
Mr. Kenny
The provision of facilities such as a café, toilets and a car park near the Wellington Monument.
At the Wellington Monument?
Mr. Kenny
Yes.