Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Feb 2003

Vol. 560 No. 3

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Training.

John Bruton

Question:

197 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Defence the reason the beach between Laytown and Gormanston is closed to the public on an ongoing basis due to Army manoeuvres; the exact times when the Army restricts access to the beach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2585/03]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

The lands at Gormanston are used for range practices and artillery firing exercises. The beach at Gormanston, County Meath forms part of the danger area when firing is in progress. Advance warnings are published in the local press as and when required in relation to artillery firing exercises. Sentries are posted at both ends of the beach to warn the public in addition to the flying of red warning flags on days when firing takes place. Firing took place at the rifle range on an average of 103 days over the past three years.

It is anticipated that two sets of artillery firing exercises will take place this year between April and September on the artillery range. The exact dates of these exercises have not yet been finalised. When the dates are made available, notification will be published in the local press. Posters will also be circulated by the military authorities in the vicinity of the range informing the public of the scheduled exercises.