asked the Minister for Finance if he will make a statement regarding the rights of grazing the river banks of the Deale and Swilly Burn, County Donegal, with special reference to the inside of the paling; when revision of acreage will be complete; if landowners are still paying rates on this land; and, if so, if they will get credit for rates already paid by them to date in respect of these lands.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Donegal Grazing Rights.
7.
The revision of the acreage or the rateability of any holding is not a matter for the Commissioners of Public Works.
The ownership of the embankments or of the land on which they are built is not affected by the drainage scheme. These banks were constructed at full State cost to protect the adjoining lands from flooding and it is essential that they be maintained in good condition. The banks have been fenced off from the protected lands in order to facilitate farmers in preventing grazing by heavy cattle which would cause serious damage. There is no objection to grazing by sheep or to the lands being meadowed. The proper maintenance of the embankments is, of course, in the interests of the landowners and their co-operation is expected.