asked the Minister for Finance if the VEC or Dublin Corporation own any land adjoining the Phoenix Park extension; and, if so, if his Department will acquire it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Phoenix Park, Dublin.
48.
Mr. Kenny
Both the Dublin Corporation and the City of Dublin Vocational Educational Committee have leasehold interests in portions of the State lands at the Phoenix Park extension, Islandbridge. Negotiations have been in progress with the corporation for the surrender of their interest so that the lands in question might be incorporated in the new public golf course planned for this centre.
It was the intention of the vocational education committee to utilise their area for the erection of a new vocational school and for the provision of playing fields and dressing rooms.
In view of the recent statement by the Minister for Education that the erection of a further second level school to cater for this neighbourhood would not be warranted the committee will be asked to clarify their plans for the use of the lands concerned.
Would it not seem logical that this should be incorporated in these lands because it is immediately adjoining them?
Mr. Kenny
It would seem logical, but I do not think it can be done. From the supplementary information I have here, it appears that there is another interest involved, the Civil Service Sports Federation.
The GAA section need not be incorporated. Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the VEC and the Office of Public Works agreed to an exchange of lands some time ago? If they can exchange lands surely they can purchase the land if it is not now required for the vocational school?
Mr. Kenny
We are waiting for a statement from Dublin Corporation and from the VEC to find out if they are willing to let us acquire these lands by purchase or otherwise.
I trust the Parliamentary Secretary will do what he can to expedite the matter.
Mr. Kenny
The Deputy can rest assured that the Parliamentary Secretary will do anything to facilitate the Deputy.
49.
asked the Minister for Finance when a scientific study of animals breeding in the Phoenix Park, Dublin, will be undertaken; and when the results will be published.
Mr. Kenny
A scientific study of the animals breeding in the park will be carried out in due course as part of a long term programme of wildlife management in all the national parks.
I understand that this type of study has already been carried out to some extent in the Bourn Vincent Memorial Park. Can we not introduce a scholarship and have this type of study carried out in the Phoenix Park as well?
Mr. Kenny
There are different types of animals in the Bourn Vincent Memorial Park.
We transferred a few.
Mr. Kenny
We are seeking sanction for the creation of the post of geologist in the branch, a necessary preliminary to any long-term research programme in fauna. That incorporates all the animals.
Is it not true that the Parliamentary Secretary has had sanction to fill that post for some considerable time and can he say why it cannot be filled?
Mr. Kenny
The reason is financial, of course. Many posts are vacant in all Departments, and have been over the past 20 years. If the wherewithal is not provided, you cannot fill the post.
By whom?
Mr. Kenny
Every successive Government.
(Interruptions.)
50.
asked the Minister for Finance if he will arrange for the removal of the unnecessary and obtrusive railings around the People's Gardens in the Phoenix Park, Dublin.
Mr. Kenny
I do not agree that the railings are unnecessary and obtrusive. They are required for the protection of the People's Gardens and it is not proposed to remove them.
51.
asked the Minister for Finance if he will arrange for the removal or landscaping of the unsightly septic tank between the Ordnance Survey Office and the Furry Glen in the Phoenix Park, Dublin.
Mr. Kenny
This structure is still in use and could not be removed without extensive alterations to the main sewer in the park. It is in a heavily wooded secluded part of the park and is not readily noticeable.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that a little additional screening would be aesthetically desirable?
Mr. Kenny
It is stated in the suggestions by the students that there is an unsightly septic tank in the valley between the Ordnance Survey Office and the Furry Glen. The Deputy probably read this in the report. It is not a septic tank at all. It is a filter bed, which is different altogether. This was used originally by the Ordnance Survey Office. The filter bed is still in use to a lesser degree as the sewers from a number of the lodges are connected to it and it could not be removed without extensive alterations to the main sewer.