§ Mr. MallonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals there are to develop Camlough lake, in County Armagh, for(a) recreation or tourism, (b) electricity generation and (c) mains water supply.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe recreation and tourism potential of Camlough lake has been considered as part of the South Armagh tourism study which will be published in the near future.
The use of Camlough lake in the generation and supply of electricity is primarily a matter for Northern Ireland Electricity plc. I am not, however, aware of any proposals.
The Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland has a proposed programme of works with the aim of increasing abstraction from Camlough lake to supply future demand's for the Newry area.
§ Mr. MallonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which bodies or organisations currently have responsibility for the land, waters and development of the Camlough lake area of County Armagh.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe Camlough Waterworks Trustees and Northern Ireland Electricity plc own land around Camlough lake. Under the Water Act (Northern Ireland) 1972, the Department of the Environment has a duty to promote the conservation and cleanliness of water. Proposals for development are subject to the planning process.