Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 Oct 1990

Vol. 402 No. 1

Written Answers. - Extraction of Stones from Donegal Foreshore.

Roger T. Garland

Question:

121 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the fact that after the expiry of the licence issued to a company (details supplied), stones were still removed from the Donegal shoreline until intervention by the Garda Síochána; if there are any measures which may be taken by his Department to ensure that these stones are replaced in order to prevent erosion of the shoreline; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that there are stacks of stones piled up ready for removal which should also be replaced; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Wilson)

The licence in question was valid for six months and expired on 31 October 1989 and limited extraction of stones from the foreshore between Bunaninver and Curransport, County Donegal, to 500 tons.

The licence has not been renewed and it is not my intention that it should be. My Department are at present — in line with commitments given in the Government's environment action programme — preparing proposals on legislation to allow for far greater control over the removal of beach material. In the meantime, I shall consider whether any action is necessary in the present case for example by way of prohibitory notices under section 7 of the Foreshore Act, 1933, to prevent interference with the foreshore.