asked the Minister for Transport the efforts being made by his Department to have the owner of the vehicle (details supplied) responsible for removing sand from the beach at Keel. Achill Island, apprehended; if a prosecution is to be brought in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers . - Achill Island Sand Removal .
448.
: I have had inquiries made by the garda in the matter and have established the identity of the owner of the vehicle in question. I have directed his attention to the fact that the foreshore at Keel is State-owned and that the removal of beach material from it is governed by the provisions of the Foreshore Act, 1933, and I have asked him for an undertaking in writing that he will not in future remove sand from it.
I am aware that coast erosion is a serious problem in the Keel area and accordingly I invited Mayo County Council to apply to me for a prohibitory order covering the area in question. The county council have recently agreed to this course and are to submit the relevant application in the near future. The making of a prohibitory order will give greater protection to the foreshore area in question and will enable me to take effective action against persons engaged in unauthorised removals of beach material.