asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he has any proposals for the development and management of the Inch Lough wild life area, County Donegal; and, if so, if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - Inch Lough (Donegal) Wild Life Development .
18.
: There are no immediate proposals in relation to this privately-owned property but the situation is being kept under review.
: I do not accept that this is a privately owned lake——
: A question, please, Deputy.
: Would the Minister agree that there is a case here for a conservation order in respect of the wild life at this lake in view of the fact that it was designated as one of the principal wetlands of Europe when the 1976-77 survey was undertaken? In view of that would the Minister not consider that there is a case here for a conservation order being put on it?
: I might point out that the Deputy is labouring under a misapprehension. My Department have now ascertained beyond any doubt that the property referred to is privately owned. For that reason any attempt to stop proposed development there, for example, drainage, would entail negotiations to purchase or some kind of management agreement with the owners which would involve heavy compensation payment. Therefore, the private ownership aspect is causing certain problems.
: I might point out to the Minister that this is a public lake and that public fishing takes place there. Also, from my correspondence with his Department, it would appear that the answer he has now given the House does not conform with the reply I received.
: We are getting into argument now and that is not in order at Question Time.
: Might I ask the Minister how many nature reserve orders have been made under the Wildlife Act in the Republic?
: That would seem to be a separate question.
: I have not got that information. However, I can tell the Deputy that there are six such areas in the Deputy's county. I might tell him also that we have been assured by the private owners that they will consult with us before they undertake any proposed development and that they will let us know what they have in mind. At this time they tell us that, from a financial viability point of view, they are not proceeding with the development planned at present.
: I might point out——
: We must move on. I have given the Deputy very considerable latitude on this question. I have called the next question but because it is Deputy Conaghan I will——
: In view of the lack of any policy in relation to conservation under the Wildlife Act is the Minister aware that in the Six Counties — which comprise a fifth only of the area of the country — there are over 60 nature reserves, 44 areas of scientific interest and many important areas owned by the National Trust? In view of the lack of any conservation development in relation to wild life would the Minister seriously consider this important wild life area which was designated by the European Commission as an important wetland? Would the Minister take due consideration of the importance of this area in relation to conservation?
: I fully accept the importance of wild life conservation but I would point out to the Deputy that the allegation that we have no policy is totally erroneous. Indeed there is a major piece of legislation on our Statute Book put through this House by the present Ceann Comhairle.