asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he has received representations on behalf of numerous fishermen and residents in the vicinity of the old Hogshead Lighthouse, Rineen, Waterville, to have the building reconstructed and brought up to date and utilised as a look-out post against poaching trawlers and to render immediate aid to fishing or other vessels in distress along that section of the Kerry and Cork coastline; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Waterville Lighthouse.
I have received representations on this subject.
I should inform the Deputy that the Coast Life Saving Service administered by my Department has no responsibility for the detection of poaching trawlers, which would be a matter for the Department of Defence. I understand that the Minister for Defence is satisfied that the present machinery for reporting the presence of foreign fishing vessels within the exclusive fishing limits is adequate.
As regards watching for ships in distress, there is at present a service provided at six stations along the Cork and Kerry coastline for night watches during periods of bad weather. I am advised that Rineen would be an unsuitable location for such a station.