§ CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork, E.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that owing to the absence of any pathway between the Northern Pier at Ballycotton, County Cork, and the public road, the fishermen have to climb up and down the face of a cliff, involving great hardship at all times, and considerable risk on dark nights; whether he is aware that Mr. Pentland, an engineer of the Board of Works, who lately inspected the place, reported that a passage was absolutely necessary, and estimated the total cost at less than £60; whether he is aware that it is now too late to obtain this sum through the Grand Jury at the next Spring Assizes; and whether, in view of the urgent need for this footpath, he will, in the interest of the fishing industry, sanction the expenditure of this small amount, even though at the present moment there may be no special fund applicable for the purpose?
THE SECRETAEY TO THE TREASURY (Sir J. T. HIBBEET, Oldham)It is true that an officer of the Board of Works reported that some regular path to the breakwater is required; but the Board of Works have no funds out of which they could provide money for carrying out the work. I should add that the Ballycotton Harbour has for some years been vested in the Grand Jury, whose duty it is to supply the funds for this inexpensive pathway, which formed no part of the original scheme as recommended by the Fishery Piers and Harbour Commissioners under the Act of 1883.
§ CAPTAIN DONELANWill the right hon. Gentleman use his influence with the Treasury to get the trifling sum required for these necessary works?
§ SIR J. T. HIBBERTI am afraid that there are no funds available.