Vol. 468 No. 2
91 Mr. Bree asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht whether the Office of Public Works has received complaints arising from the clearing of Office of Public Works lands at Glen Easkey, County Sligo on 17 May 1996; if so, whether the complaints have been investigated; the outcome of such investigations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14868/96]
In 1993 the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department purchased blanket bog at Gleneaskey-Letterunshin. County Sligo for nature conservation purposes. Several attempts were made to get sheep owners to remove trespassing animals from the property so that a sustainable number could be permitted to graze there under licence.
The owners did not remove their livestock and on 17 May 1996 three NPWS rangers herded the animals off the property as they are entitled to do under the law. Two complaints were made regarding the manner of the removal of the sheep and a small number of goats. These complaints allege that some animals were killed or injured in the process of herding.
The allegations have been investigated by the NPWS Regional Manager (North West) and his Deputy. I have been informed that no injured animals have been seen or shown to either the rangers or the investigating officials. The actual owners of the animals have not complained to NPWS about the manner of their removal and the investigation concluded that no injuries were caused to any animals by the herding which I understand was done as normal practice at a walking pace.
