asked the Minister for Finance if he will arrange to appoint a local advisory committee consisting of representatives of angling associations to advise and assist in the control and operation of the fisheries attached to the National Park, Killarney, County Kerry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Killarney Fisheries.
9.
Mr. Kenny
I am satisfied that the present arrangements for the administration of the fishery attached to the National Park, Killarney, are satisfactory and I do not consider it necessary to appoint a local advisory committee as suggested by the Deputy.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there is local concern regarding the rather high licence fees being charged by the Office of Public Works for people who fish this estuary, not for profit but as a means of leisure?
Mr. Kenny
When the former association were running this fishery they charged a certain fee. There were some complaints and the fee now being charged per day is much cheaper than the fee charged by the former association. That association were constituted largely from a town other than Killarney. After all this is a national facility. It is not for the local people alone although I know they are concerned about it and take an interest in it. It is a national amenity not a local one.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary tell us what the charges he referred to are?
Mr. Kenny
I had that in a question some time ago. I will get a copy of the charges for any Deputy who is interested but they are cheaper than the former charges.
That may not be of very much advantage to the people who are anxious to use this on a regular basis. The citizens of Killarney and the surrounding area may still find the charges excessive. The fact that it is cheaper does not mean that it is within their reach.
The Deputy is making a statement rather than asking a question.
Mr. Kenny
The price is lower and the facilities and the conditions offered are much more just than they were under the former association.
Question No. 10.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary not know what the price is?
Mr. Kenny
I will give the price next week if the Deputy puts down a question. I answered it here some months ago but I have forgotten what the charge is.