asked the Minister for Transport and Power the number of licences issued for the removal of sand and gravel from the beaches in County Wexford; the period for which these licences are issued; and if they are renewable.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Removal of Beach Sand and Gravel.
6.
Licences issued under the Foreshore Act, 1933, permitting the removal of beach material relate to State-owned foreshore, that is, the part of the seashore below the line of high water of ordinary or medium tides. The removal of material from the part of the seashore above the high water mark is a matter primarily for the owners of the adjoining lands.
There are no licences at present in force permitting the removal of sand or gravel from any part of the foreshore in County Wexford. One such licence was issued during the year ended 31st March, 1967. It was valid for six weeks and was not renewed.
Do I take it from the reply that anybody can remove sand or gravel at below the tidal level without a licence?
No.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary let me know what the Minister says about a licence being necessary for above the tidal level?
The removal of material above the high water mark is a matter primarily for the owners of the adjoining lands.
Why does the Department issue licences for below the line?
For the part of the seashore below the line.
There is only one licence issued for the whole coast of Wexford.
There was only one licence issued during the past 12 months. It is not operative at the moment.
7.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if there are restricted areas for the removal of sand and gravel from the foreshore on the Wexford coast; and, if so, if he will give details of the location of these restricted areas.
Orders have been made prohibiting the removal of sand and gravel from four areas of seashore in County Wexford.
These areas are: (1) between Forelorn Point and Madjeen Reef about 2,500 yards east of Forelorn Point, (2) between Rosslare Pier and the point to the north of Rosslare Strand known as the Fort, (3) between Redhouse Gap and a point 300 yards north of Ballynaclash gap, (4) the seashore opposite the townland of Rostonstown.
I should add that, apart from areas where removals have been prohibited by order, it is necessary in some cases to refuse licences for removal of beach material from the foreshore where it is considered that removals would be likely to contribute to erosion or to cause damage to adjoining lands or other property.