Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)

The proposal to meet with Fáilte Ireland is both positive and one we should take up. There are a number of stakeholders involved. Having ESB, which is the landowner, participating in such a meeting would be very important, particularly as it owns the Gearagh area, which is part of the Lee reservoir. While they have done some work on bird hides, walkways, etc., many feel that there is a lack of energy or interest on the part of the ESB in advancing and promoting the Gearagh. There is limited signage on site for interpreting what is there and limited car parking. Many locals and stakeholders would also feel that there is limited interest on the company's part.

It would be important to engage with or energise the ESB, given that it owns the land. Even if it was not interested in continuing at the site, there is a possibility of transferring the land to a body like the NPWS while allowing the ESB to continue as the authority for operating the reservoir.

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