§ MR. SYNANasked the Secretary to the Treasury, Whether the Board of Works steam-dredge was removed by their orders to Foynes Harbour on the River Shannon; whether it remained there about three weeks idle, while the harbour is being silted up, to the great inconvenience of all trade; and, whether any steps will be taken to improve that harbour to accommodate the largely increasing trade arising from the development of the mackerel fishery at the mouth of the Shannon, besides the great increase likely to arise from the American steamers calling there?
§ MR. COURTNEYThere was some interruption in the work of dredging at Foynes Harbour, owing to a heap of stones which had to be removed by divers. A considerable sum has been expended in the last two years in improvements to the harbour, with results which, I am informed, are satisfactory; but the state of the finances of the Shannon Trust does not admit of unlimited expenditure there.
§ MR. COURTNEYI am told that at present the harbour is in a satisfactory condition.