Vol. 544 No. 4
77 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to concern expressed at a conference in Dublin on 6 November 2001, organised by Coastwatch, which expressed concerns that Ireland's beaches and sand dunes were being destroyed by sand extraction; the steps being taken to protect beaches and dunes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28926/01]
The Foreshore Acts, 1933 to 1998, contain provisions to control the removal or disturbance of beach material. For example, to lawfully remove or disturb such material on State-owned foreshore, a person would require to be licensed under the Foreshore Acts which are administered by my Department. Development above the high watermark, including sand and gravel extraction, requires planning permission from the relevant local authority.
Anyone who is concerned about the removal or disturbance of beach material in any area should immediately alert my Department or the relevant local authority, giving as much detailed information as is available, so that the matter may be promptly investigated and necessary action taken. The relevant local authority would ordinarily be the first to be contacted because of the likelihood of a breach of the planning Acts also being involved.
