asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he is aware of the annoyance and inconvenience caused to farmers in the Mount Stuart area of County Waterford due to the lack of boundary and roadside fencing of Department property.
Written Answers. - Fencing of Department Property.
613.
I am aware of complaints by farmers in the Mount Stuart area of County Waterford about the fencing of established forestry plantations in the district. Officials of my Department recently discussed the matter with the Waterford County Committee of Agriculture and with a deputation of local farmers and explained the Department's policy which is as follows:
While it is normal practice for the Forest and Wildlife Service to erect fencing where necessary to protect young plantations, and to maintain these fences until the crop is beyond damage by stock, there is no obligation on the service, nor on any landowner, to fence its property in favour of adjoining owners. Stock owners are legally responsible for preventing their animals from straying.
The specific complaints made by the deputation of local farmers are, however, currently being investigated by my Department.