§ MR. O'SHEAasked the Secretary to the Treasury, Whether his attention has been called to the recent extraordinary development of the mackerel fishery on the coast of Clare, where 69 boats are stated by Mr. F. J. Brady, Inspector of Fisheries, to have each been taking, near Loop Head, on an average 20,000 mackerel nightly, of the value of from £200 to £300; and, whether, in view of the very large fishing fleet, with its attendant steamers, which may in future be expected in the locality, the Treasury will reconsider its refusal to assist in the extension of the Cappa Pier at Kilrush?
§ LORD FREDERICK CAVENDISHI am informed that during the month of April a large number of vessels have been very successfully engaged in prosecuting the mackerel fishery off the mouth of the Shannon. The fish taken have been brought to Foynes in steamers, and thence conveyed by rail for the most part to Dublin and elsewhere. To accommodate this traffic the harbour of Foynes, which had become to a great extent silted up, has been cleared out, at a cost of between £400 and £500, so as to allow of the regular and prompt despatch of the cargoes. On the other hand, the Cappa Pier at Kilrush is about 28 miles from the nearest railway station, and would not, therefore, meet the requirements of the fish traffic. As this is the only new reason brought forward, the Treasury are not at present prepared to re-consider their decision, which was founded on considerations of the general interests of the Shannon navigation. But if the localities interested are prepared to undertake the 1536 expense and responsibility of maintaining piers such as that at Kilrush, the Treasury would consider whether statutory power should not be taken to hand them over upon conditions to the local authorities.