asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that only four weirs are now being operated on the Lower Shannon while 36 were in operation when the E.S.B. took over, and that only ten men are now employed on the four weirs; whether he proposes to increase the number of weirs so as to ease unemployment in the area; or whether the E.S.B. propose to do so.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - River Shannon Weirs.
16.
I am aware that in the years immediately preceding the acquisition of the fisheries of the River Shannon by the E.S.B. the number of licences taken out for the operation of stake nets or stake weirs in the lower Shannon was of the order of 30 to 35 annually, and that in the 1958 fishing season only four such licences were taken out by that board. I have no information as to the future policy of the E.S.B. in this matter, nor have I any functions which would warrant my intervening in the way suggested by the Deputy.