asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that within the past three years there have been various instances of encroachment and limitation made upon the rights of the public to use various seashores at holiday resorts which the public have enjoyed without limitation since time immemorial; and, if so, whether, in view of recent developments of this kind, he will introduce proposals for legislation for the protection of such rights, and, where they have been encroached upon or limited, for having them reconstituted.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Use of Seashores.
In the past three years, only four complaints have been made to my Department concerning this matter. Three of these were investigated and the fourth is at present under examination. If the Deputy is aware of any further incident, I would be glad to have the matter examined in my Department on receipt of details. I cannot see any good reason for introducing proposals for further legislation on this subject at present.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that these limitations and encroachments are being made by non-nationals, and that they are restricting the right of citizens of this country to use the amenities of our own seashore? Is he further aware that he has power, under the Foreshore Act of 1933, not only to limit the construction of such obstacles but also to order the people who build them to pull them down? In view of these provisions, will he take adequate steps to ensure that the rights of our citizens along our coastline will not be further interfered with?
I told the Deputy that four cases have been reported. Three of them have been investigated and the fourth is under investigation. If the Deputy gives me details of the cases he has in mind, I will have them examined.
I can assure the Parliamentary Secretary that in many cases along the Cork coastline, even at present, structures are being erected by non-nationals and that, sooner or later, the nationals of this country will be restricted from using the whole coast.
That is a separate question.
I have no evidence that there has been any case other than the four mentioned. If the Deputy gives me particulars, not merely generalisation, I will have them examined.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary state if he is aware that in recent times in Glengarriff a non-national erected a house on the seashore and shortly afterwards erected a barrier right down to the foreshore limit, and that it required court action by the locals to re-establish their rights in this connection, without any action by the Department?