HC Deb 23 February 1899 vol 67 cc276-7
MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN (Kilkenny)

On behalf of the honourable Member for the St. Patrick Division of Dublin, I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Irish Lights Board built two lighthouses, one at the eastern or man-of-war entrance to Castletown Berehaven, and the other at the western or commercial and fishing entrance, but only placed a light on the lighthouse at the man-of-war entrance; and whether, considering the necessity of placing a light on the western lighthouse in the interests of merchant and fishing vessels, and in compliance with strong and numerous local petitions, the Board of Trade would make such representations to the Irish Lights Board as would cause the latter body to put a light on the lighthouse which they built but keep in darkness?

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE

I am informed by the Commissioners of Irish Lights that a beacon tower was built some years ago at tin; western entrance to Castletown Berehaven. The original intention was to exhibit a light from this tower, but before it was completed the proposal was abandoned, and the present lighthouse at the eastern entrance was constructed. The Commissioners do not think it desirable to encourage vessels to use the western channel, which is narrow and dangerous.