Dick Spring
Ceist:48 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for the Marine when an order, prohibiting the removal of sand from Ballybunion Strand and Beale Strand, in County Kerry, will be made.
Written Answers. - Kerry Beaches: Prohibition on Removal of Sand.
The Deputy will recall that the recently published Action Programme for the Environment indicated that the removal of sand from the foreshore is giving rise to serious problems in a number of high amenity areas. The programme also indicated that legislation would be introduced to prohibit the removal of sand, except under licence, which it is envisaged would only be granted in exceptional circumstances. I am considering at present the form which such legislation should take but it is my firm intention to have it enacted this year.
In the meantime, I am anxious to use the powers which are at my disposal under the Foreshore Act, 1933, to tackle threats which may be posed to beaches at Ballybunion and Beale, County Kerry by the removal of beach material. In that connection, I have had a prohibitory order prepared under section 6 of the Foreshore Act, 1933, to prohibit removal of beach material from Beale Strand and I hope to sign the order shortly.
I am also considering what action is necessary in respect of Ballybunion Strand. In that context my Department are considering the status of certain rights claimed by local interests in relation to beach material at Ballybunion. I have instructed that this matter be dealt with as a matter of urgency in view of the situation which has developed and the serious threat posed to the local environment.