asked the Minister for Finance if he has received complaints about the danger to fish life, with a consequent loss of employment to fishermen, when the Boyne arterial drainage scheme is in operation; and if he has any proposals to compensate the fishermen concerned.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Boyne Drainage Scheme.
77.
Representations have been made about the danger to fish life which may result from the Boyne drainage scheme. The importance of the fisheries in the catchment is fully appreciated and in the preparation of the drainage scheme consultations are taking place with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries as to the steps to be taken to minimise interference. It is not expected that the scheme will cause loss of employment to fishermen.
Before the scheme is confirmed it will be exhibited locally and an opportunity given to the various interests involved to submit their observations which will be considered in accordance with the Act.
Surely the Parliamentary Secretary must be aware that if the Boyne drainage scheme is carried out as the schemes usually are, then the livelihood of the 40 fishermen at the mouth of the Boyne with salmon and mussels must of necessity be interfered with? Would the Parliamentary Secretary discuss with his Department some proposals which he can put before the fishermen in question for alternative employment or accommodation?
When the scheme goes on exhibition, then, as I say, all the interested parties will be asked for their observations on the scheme and the position will be examined at that time.
Surely the Parliamentary Secretary is being facetious now? We are not talking about how the scheme is being carried out but of the effect it will have on the livelihood of human beings. Surely the Parliamentary Secretary could, even now, discuss the matter with the fishermen concerned?
Possibly Deputy Tully did not hear my reply fully.
I heard it all right.
I said that it is not expected that the scheme will cause loss of employment to fishermen.
That is a lot of cod — sticking to a fish matter.
Similar fears were expressed in the case of the Moy drainage scheme. There has never been a better fish season in the Moy.
There was not a salmon in the Moy for five years and the mussels were being killed altogether.