§ MR. DAWSON (for Mr. GRAY)asked the Secretary to the Treasury, Whether the attention of the Irish Board of Works has been directed to the neglected condition of the Harbour of Howth, and the great inconvenience and loss suffered by the fishermen owing to its not being sufficiently dredged; what is the average amount of the tolls levied for the use of the Harbour and the average amount expended on dredging and maintenance; and, whether steps will be taken to make the Harbour more available for the large fishing population using it?
§ LORD FREDERICK CAVENDISHSir, the attention of the Irish Board of Works has been recently drawn to the state of Howth Harbour, and their engineer was sent to report as to its pre-sent condition. The Harbour is very much exposed to the danger of being silted up; but I am informed that the effectual dredging carried on in the years subsequent to the passing of the Act 26 & 27 Vict. c 72, for the improvement of the Harbour, has proved sufficient up to the present time for the safe accommodation of the large fleet of fishing vessels—Cornish, Manx, Scotch, and Irish—which frequent it. The average amount of dues received during the last seven years has been £507 7s. 11d., and the average amount of money expended during the same period has been £2,152 6s. As soon as the costly works of repair which are now being carried 438 out are completed, which will be soon, it is intended to consider whether a renewal of the dredging will be necessary for the better accommodation of the fishing-boats, which appear to be of a deeper draught than was the case formerly.