§ SIR THOMAS ESMONDE (Kerry, W.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he is aware that the breakwater at Kilmore Pier, in county Wexford, which was constructed under the supervision of the Board of Works, has been certified as improperly executed by the Government contractor, and the breakwater not erected in the position originally determined upon; if he is aware that the breakwater is now in ruins; if this breakwater has been paid for by a free grant, or by a loan for which the ratepayers of the district are liable; and whether he will have inquiry made into the circumstances of the case.
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. G. W. BALFOUR,) Leeds, CentralThe breakwater at Kilmore 30 Pier was certified to have been completed to the satisfaction of the engineer to the Board of Works and of the county surveyor, and no certificate was given that the work was improperly executed. It was erected in the position shown on the approved plans. The board are not aware that the breakwater is in ruins, as stated. Some damage was found to exist early last year, and the board at once reminded the county authorities of their responsibility to repair the damage. The cost of the breakwater was met by a free grant of £5,838 and a loan charged on the barony of £1,946 with interest. A further inspection will be made by the board for the purpose of securing, necessary, the execution of works of maintenance by the county, on whom the responsibility in this respect lies.