Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 13 Dec 1988

Vol. 385 No. 6

Written Answers. - State Forests.

287.

Mr. Quinn

asked the Minister for Energy if his attention has been drawn to the fact that any proposals for the development of the environmental and recreational potential of our forests are being blocked as a result of the difficulties relating to public liability and insurance claims coming from individuals upon the State following accidents in those areas; if he will act as a matter of urgency to ensure that the difficulties which currently exist can be resolved satisfactorily in order to ensure that the public have access to the enormous environmental and recreational resource of our State forests particularly in the greater Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

288.

Proinsias De Rossa

asked the Minister for Energy if he will withdraw his objections to the opening of the Dublin Way given that the public already have access to the forestry lands in question and given that it was at an advanced stage of planning when his Department first raised an objection; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Energy (Mr. Smith)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 287 and 288 together.

There is freedom of access to the existing signposted amenity and other forest facilities. My Department, however, following on a series of claims for personal injuries, allegedly caused in State forests, have temporarily suspended the granting of further permission for walks to traverse State forest lands pending an examination of the feasibility of developing legislation which will give greater protection to the State and other landowners. This examination is in hand and I will seek to have it expedited.