§ MR. CLANCY (Dublin Co., N.)asked the Secretary to the Treasury, If he could state what is the greatest depth of water at the entrance of Howth Harbour at low tide; what would be the cost of dredging the Harbour, so as to make it possible for fishing boats to enter or leave it at all times; how are the tolls expended which are at present collected at Howth from the owners of boats; and, in consequence of the fluctuating nature of the herring fishery, and its possible revival at Howth at an early date, what provision does the Government intend to make for the accommodation of a large fishing fleet in that Harbour in such an eventuality?
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. HENRY H. FOWLER) (Wolverhampton, E.)The greatest and average depths between the pier heads at the entrance to Howth Harbour are 7 feet 9 inches and 7 feet respectively at low water of ordinary spring tides, and about one foot less at very low tides. The cost of dredging the harbour would depend on the area to be dredged. If the area were the same as in 1865 it would be about £5,000. The tolls are applied to the maintenance of the harbour. For the last five years they have averaged one-twelfth of the annual expenditure. The average amount of tolls is £187, and the average expenditure £2,279.
§ MR. T. M. HEALY (Londonderry, S.)asked whether the Secretary to the Treasury would inquire into the manner in which the Board of Works had been grossly mis-spending the money on the harbour?
§ MR. HENRY H. FOWLERI will be quite ready to institute every inquiry if the hon. and learned Member will indicate the particular points.
§ MR. CLANCYsaid, that in consequence of the unsatisfactory answer of the Secretary to the Treasury he would call attention on the Estimates to the disgraceful mismanagement of this harbour by the Board of Works.