asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, further to the decision of the authorities concerned, to cease drainage work by agreement in the Pollardstown Fen until 14 April 1980, and the initiation of two surveys on the effect of drainage on the future of this Fen, if he will indicate the outcome of this work to date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pollardstown Fen Survey.
24.
The survey of Pollardstown Fen carried out by officers of my Department has now been completed and confirms the unique scientific value of the fen and the need for its conservation. As announced in a recent press release I have now authorised my Department to enter into negotiations with the landowners concerned with a view to the purchase of the fen for conservation.
I compliment the Minister on the steps he has taken in regard to this fen. Would he consider when we have major arterial drainage that the Department of Fisheries should be more vocal in seeing that our spawning beds are protected?
The Minister indicated in replying to an earlier question that he had no money to compensate the fishing industry in Ballycotton which had suffered from the storm in March. Would he indicate what funds, if any, he has available to purchase the Pollardstown Fen?
First, we have decided to acquire the fen and hopefully this will be done by negotiation. I do not wish to enter into any conflict with the owners. I hope no further arterial drainage will be contemplated or carried out there. I should like everybody's co-operation not to muddy the waters in regard to reaching a mutually satisfactory solution. As regards the moneys available to me, when we prepared our budget last year we were conscious of the fact that we had an obligation under the Wildlife Act to make provision for certain matters of a conservation nature that would arise. I have made provision and I have funds available. But when one is negotiating regarding the purchase of land it would be unwise to mention the amount of money available lest they might wish to take it all. I should not like that to happen, particularly as it is in Kildare.
If there happened to be a sea coast around Kildare does the Minister not think that the fishermen in Ballycotton might get some of that available money? They have lost part of their livelihood.
That is not a serious question.
If a Labour Deputy should ever find himself in my position he will be able to deal with that matter then.
That is great consolation to those concerned.