asked the Minister for Finance if arrangements have been made to provide public toilets convenient to the polo ground in the Phoenix Park, Dublin.
36.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Phoenix Park Amenities.
34.
asked the Minister for Finance if he will improve toilet facilities near the "Dog Pond" in the Phoenix Park, Dublin.
Mr. Kenny
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 36 together.
The whole question of toilet facilities in the Phoenix Park is under review at present.
Surely a request for toilet facilities near the polo ground was made a considerable time ago. This is a spectator sport.
Mr. Kenny
The matter is under review. I mean toilets for humans, not for dogs.
The pool there is commonly known as the "Dog Pond".
Mr. Kenny
I examined carefully every portion of the "Dog Pond" last Tuesday morning and I found evidence of micturating puppies and of what I will call "philandering Casanovas" plus a few beer bottles in one corner. That is the only evidence of pollution I saw.
35.
asked the Minister for Finance the steps he proposes to take to reduce pollution in the "Dog Pond" in the Phoenix Park, Dublin.
Mr. Kenny
I am not aware that there is a pollution problem at the pond in question.
37.
asked the Minister for Finance if he has any plans to improve the restaurant and eating facilities in the Phoenix Park, Dublin.
Mr. Kenny
The question of improving restaurant and eating facilities in the Phoenix Park is at present under consideration.
38.
asked the Minister for Finance if he has formulated proposals to control horse-riding in the Phoenix Park, Dublin.
Mr. Kenny
New regulations for the control of horse-riding in the Phoenix Park have not yet been brought into force.
The matter is receiving attention in the context of a general review of the existing bye-laws.
39.
asked the Minister for Finance if he has any plans to extend motor racing in the Phoenix Park, Dublin.
Mr. Kenny
There is no proposal under consideration to extend facilities for motor racing in the Phoenix Park.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that it is argued in some racing circles that the Phoenix Park could be one of the finest racetracks in the world?
Mr. Kenny
That is so, but that would mean that access to the park by the general public might be curtailed, to say nothing of traffic congestion and so forth. Would it be worth it?
Of course it would not. I agree with the Parliamentary Secretary.
40.
asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider extending facilities for cross-country running in the Phoenix Park, Dublin.
Mr. Kenny
Facilities for cross-country running in the Phoenix Park appear to be adequate but the matter will be examined as part of a comprehensive study at present being undertaken into all recreational facilities in the Park.