§ MR. JAMES GILHOOLY (Cork Co., W.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1) whether he has received a memorial from the Skibbereen and Baltimore Harbour Board relative to the construction of a fishery pier at Baltimore; and (2) whether, in view of the fact that the line of railway from Skibbereen to Baltimore, made for the purpose of promoting the fishing industry at a cost of £56,000, is practically useless for that purpose owing to the want of a suitable pier, he will grant the prayer of the memorial, and request the Treasury to advance the money necessary for its construction?
§ *MR. GERALD BALFOURThe memorial referred to in the first part of the Question has been received. The memorial does not allege that the line of railway from Skibbereen to Baltimore, constructed at a cost of £56,000 under the Act of 1889, is practically useless to promote the fishing industry. The memorialists, on the contrary, took the opportunity of expressing their acknowledgments of the boon conferred upon the district by the Government, whilst at the same time expressing their desire that a deep water pier should be constructed, and the existing line of railway extended to the pier. The Congested Districts Board some few years ago were prepared to contribute towards the cost of the construction of a pier at Baltimore on terms which were communicated to the Baltimore Railway Company. It does not appear, however, that the latter company agreed to the terms of this offer; and, although the Congested Districts Board do not now consider themselves bound by the offer formerly made by them, yet, if the Railway Company and the Harbour Board could come to an understanding with the Board in the matter, the question of a contribution would be again considered.