HC Deb 13 July 1896 vol 42 cc1314-5
MR. JOHN DILLON (Mayo, S.)

I beg to ask the Attorney General for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the fact that a syndicate has been formed to enclose a path leading to the Giant's Causeway, over which the public have hitherto enjoyed an un-disputable right of way; and whether the law in Ireland applicable to the protection of public rights of way is the same as that applicable to such cases in England?

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. J. ATKINSON,) Londonderry, N.

Yes, Sir. I know of no difference in the law.

MR. KNOX

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, while in England the district council can bring an action to enforce a right of way, there is in Ireland no authority to exercise a similar power?

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND

I am aware that there are no district councils in Ireland, and therefore no authority to exercise this power.

MR. KNOX

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether the Boards of Guardians could be given the same power?

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND

The guardians have no power whatever in the matter.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether the people can exercise the power of destroying those barriers?

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND

Certainly, any powers they have.