asked the Minister for Finance if he will ensure that all horses which are leased to the public in the Phoenix Park area, Dublin are neither overworked nor abused in any way.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Phoenix Park, Dublin.
18.
The general question of horse-riding in the Phoenix Park and the need to revise the Phoenix Park by-laws in order to provide more effective control of horse-riding is under examination. The point made by the Deputy will be taken into consideration.
Has there been no change since I raised the matter in 1974?
The whole thing is being reviewed.
This revision started when I was in the Board of Works. Can the Parliamentary Secretary give any indication when the bye-laws will be given approval?
I am not in a position to give a definite date. All I can tell the Deputy is that the matter is under review and I will tell them again there is an urgent need for revision.
19.
asked the Minister for Finance if he considers that the chestnut and beech trees in the Phoenix Park, Dublin are at risk; and if he will ensure that they survive.
I do not consider that the trees in question are at immediate risk and steps will be taken when required for their survival or replacement.
20.
asked the Minister for Finance if sufficient grass cropping equipment will be acquired to reduce the number of cattle in the Phoenix Park, Dublin to approximately 500 head.
The number of cattle grazing the Phoenix Park is reviewed each year in the light of existing circumstances to determine the number that would be commensurate with good husbandry and the amenity user of the Park by the general public. Adopting a limit of 500 would not be practical.
21.
asked the Minister for Finance if he has considered the provision and the operation under licence, subject to conditions, of riding stables in the Phoenix Park.
The provision of riding stables in the Phoenix Park is not contemplated.
22.
asked the Minister for Finance if he has made arrangements to ensure that visitors to the Phoenix Park, Dublin, may expect to have the quiet of the west side maintained as compared with the activity of the east side.
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 a special consideration.
23.
asked the Minister for Finance if he will arrange for the provision of a car park and toilets near the Wellington Monument in the Phoenix Park, Dublin.
The general question of the provision of extra public car parks and toilets in the Phoenix Park is under consideration and the vicinity of the Wellington Monument will be considered in the selection of locations in due course.
24.
asked the Minister for Finance if he will ensure that the five lakes or ponds in the Phoenix Park, Dublin, are used to the maximum extent for recreational purposes.
I am informed that the Citadel Pond in the Phoenix Park is used by children for recreation. The other four ponds in the park are maintained as features of the landscape and there are no definite plans for their development for recreational purposes. The question of whether any of them would be suitable far angling is, however, being examined.
I know many Dublin people have not been all over the Phoenix Park. In fact, I myself have not been over it as much as I would like, but would the Parliamentary Secretary be ageeable to make an appointment with me to come up for an hour or so to the Phoenix Park —say, next week or the week after—at about half eleven or 12 o'clock and we could conclude—I am sure Mr. Murphy will agree—by having lunch in the Zoological Gardens and then we can resume——
Certainly.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary extend the invitation? I am sure other public representatives would like to avail of the opportunity.
I will be delighted.
Perhaps the Ceann Comhairle might come along too.
I shall be delighted.
If the Dáil is not sitting.
25.
asked the Minister for Finance if he will indicate the present proposals regarding the Phoenix Park extension, Dublin.
26.
asked the Minister for Finance if any progress has been made with regard to the provision of a municipal golf course near the Liffey, Dublin.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 26 together.
The proposed development scheme for the Phoenix Park extension includes the laying out of the lands on the north bank of the River Liffey as an amenity area, improvements at the grounds of the War Memorial Park, and the provision of a public golf course on adjoining land. The proposal in regard to the golf course is being reappraised in the light of the Dublin Corporation's road construction plans in the area.
In view of the fact that the most recent Dublin Corporation plans may not be approved because of objections by the local community association which suggests an alternative route, would the Parliamentary Secretary consider releasing even on a one-year basis, the plots to the people who have been affected?
Perhaps that is one of the things we can have a look at when we are in the Phoenix Park. We can discuss the feasibility of it.
Fair enough. The plot holders were making a useful contribution.
27.
asked the Minister for Finance if he will arrange for band and orchestral recitals in the bank hollow in the Phoenix Park, Dublin, in order to revive interest in this type of weekend activity which the people of Dublin formerly enjoyed.
The Commisisoners of Public Works are prepared to consider applications for the use of the band hollow in the Phoenix Park for musical recitals.