§ SIR EDWARD BIRKBECK (Norfolk, E.)I beg to ask the Solicitor General for Ireland when it is intended to take up the question of piers and harbours in the fishing districts on the Irish coast, as recommended by the late Royal Commission; whether it is a fact that the loading of one steamer with cured mackerel at Garnish, Castletown Bere, County Cork, costs about £16; whether he has had any Report from the Board of Works or the Inspectors of Irish Fisheries showing the absolute necessity of a pier at Garnish in consequence of the number of steamers calling there; and whether he will, on an early day, endeavour to get some- 588 thing done for Garnish rather than put the Irish merchants to such expense?
§ MR. MADDENThe Irish Government have obtained the views of the Board of Works and of the Inspectors of Irish Fisheries as a proposal submitted to them for the construction of a pier at Garnish, but inasmuch as the Board of Works advised that there are no available funds for the purpose, the consideration of the matter was not further proceeded with. The Government have been dealing with those of the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Irish Public Works which relate to drainage and light railways. Upon these matters being disposed of, the Government hope to bring certain proposals before Parliament in regard to the Royal Commission's recommendations on the subject of piers and harbours.