Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 26 Apr 1990

Vol. 397 No. 10

Written Answers. - County Kerry Golf Course Development.

Roger T. Garland

Question:

67 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for the Marine if he will make a statement on the problems and difficulties associated with golf courses (details supplied) in County Kerry, which include interference with and rerouting of existing rights of way, inadequate consultations with the public using rights of way, the initiation of erosion particularly in sand dune systems, damage to areas of scientific interest and the introduction of club houses into areas where building would not normally be permitted; if he will outline his intentions to rectify these problems; if such developments should be brought under the normal planning process; if not, the regulations which should be brought into force to protect the areas affected; and the regulations which are used at present.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Wilson)

I can comment only on those aspects of the question which impinge on my ministerial responsibilities.

While responsibility for central funding of coast protection was transferred to me with effect from 1 January 1990, the question of identifying coastlines subject to erosion, dealing with day to day maintenance of the coastline and initiating coast protection measures is the responsibility of the local authority.

I am advised that, in general, the construction of a golf course would not in itself initiate coast erosion problems but that measures undertaken to protect a course might alter the natural erosion pattern. However, coast erosion is a complex mechanism and the causes of any particular problem can seldom be judged without close study and observation.