Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Jun 2000

Vol. 520 No. 4

Written Answers. - Fishery Ownership.

Jackie Healy-Rae

Question:

52 Mr. Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will make available a copy of the title to the Caragh River, Glenbeigh, County Kerry held by a company (details supplied) in County Kerry; if he has satisfied himself that this title is sufficient in order for him to allow a grant of £85,000 to be paid to this company; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that landowners beside the Caragh river have clearly stated that no person has any right to enter their lands to gain access to the Caragh river and that they will oppose any attempt by any person to enter their property. [16025/00]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey):

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 67 on 31 May 2000 in which I explained that there are no primary records in my Department relating to the ownership of the fishery.

The decision to make grant aid available to the project was taken by the management committee of the tourism angling measure. The Central Fisheries Board which has responsibility for the day to day administration of the tourism angling measure informs me that it received legal advice that the company referred to has good title to that part of the fishery for which grant aid has been made available.

The central board further informs me that it has received legal advice that the fishery has established prescriptive rights of way over third party lands to use specific access points that have been used for many years.