asked the Minister for Defence the steps which have been taken to implement the recommendations of the committee set up to examine the problem of making the Glen of Imaal, County Wicklow safe for casual visitors and in particular whether steps have been or will be taken, in accordance with these recommendations (a) to remove the old Churchill tank which attracts younger visitors and (b) to make the target area more inaccessible through the use of certain types of vegetation and gates to restrict access.
Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - Glen of Imaal (Wicklow) Safety .
4.
: The old tank referred to by the Deputy has been buried. A considerable amount of fencing has been erected with a view to restricting access by members of the public to certain areas of my Department's lands in the glen and further fencing works are being considered. New warning notices have been placed at appropriate locations, and the area is patrolled at weekends by military personnel.
Before each bank holiday weekend, members of the public are advised, by notices in the press and on television, as well as by radio announcements, not to enter the lands. A permanent military staff at Coolmoney Camp is being established which will include among its responsibilities the implementation of safety measures in the Glen of Imaal.
: I did not hear the first part of the reply. The question dealt with the old tank.
: I said the old tank has been buried.
: On the second part of the question, would the Minister not think it appropriate that in addition to advertising in the media, in conjunction with the Department of Education he should take steps to acquaint youth organisations and youth leaders with the dangers attached to these lands rather than relying on them reading the daily press?
: I will get in touch with the Department of Education in this regard.