HC Deb 27 May 1897 vol 49 cc1413-4
MR. FLAVIN

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if his attention has been called to the report of C. H. Smith, divisional officer at Ballyheigue, County Kerry, in which he states that immense shoals of herring, mackerel, and other fish appear in Ballyheigue Bay; and whether, with a view of developing the fishing industry, a suitable pier will be erected, as recommended by the divisional officer?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

The construction of a boatslip at Ballyheigue was at one time under the consideration of the Congested Districts Board, but the project was abandoned. I will call the attention of the Board to this Question, but of course I cannot express an opinion as to whether their funds could be advantageously expended on this particular work.

MR. FIELD

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, in view of the fact that steam trawlers were accidentally captured and seized for trawling within the prescribed limits, and that an inquiry had recently been held by the Irish Fishery Commissioners, whether it was intended to place a gunboat on that coast to protect the line fishermen and smaller trawlers respectively?

[The HON. MEMBER explained that the words "Galway Bay" had been omitted from the Question.]

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

This question presumably refers to Galway Bay, where some steam trawlers were captured about a year ago. The Inspectors are not aware of any recent violation of the law by trawlers in these waters.