Vol. 483 No. 6
356 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will give details of the lakes described as State lakes; and whether they are registered in the Land Registry as property of the State. [21581/97]
357 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will give details of the rivers which are the property of the State; and whether they are registered in the Land Registry. [21582/97]
358 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the number of orders which were made under section 57 of the Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 1959, declaring that the fee simple of lakes or inland waterways belong to the State; and if she will give details of the lakes or waters which were involved in this regard. [21583/97]
Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimh. 356, 357 agus Uimh. 358 le chéile.
The Deputy will be aware that hunting on State-owned foreshore, State-owned lakes, rivers and other accretions belonging to the State is regulated under section 30 of the Wildlife Act, 1976. While the legal title to these areas may be disputed in some cases, responsibility for the conservation of wildlife on such lakes and rivers rests with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department. However, other Government Departments, local authorities and State bodies have various responsibilities for diverse matters relating to such lakes and rivers.
The Deputy will appreciate that a very considerable amount of work would be required to research the specific matters raised by him — for example, some 38 lakes are regarded as State-owned — and I am reluctant to commit the resources that would be required without having a clearer understanding of the benefits that would accrue from the process. If, however, the Deputy requires information in relation to particular lakes or rivers, I will be glad to have the matter investigated further.
