§ MR. FLAVINI beg to ask the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture for Ireland whether he is aware that the late C. H. Smith, divisional officer at Ballyheigue, County Kerry, reported that large shoals of mackerel, herrings, and other fish appear in Ballyheigue Bay; and whether, with the view of developing the fishing industry in that poor district, a suitable pier or boatslip will be constructed, as suggested by the late Mr. Smith, so as to accommodate and give employment to the large number of fishermen in the district.
§ MR. PLUNKETTI am informed that in November, 1897, Mr. Smith, the divisional officer of coastguard, reported that small, not large, shoals of mackerel and herrings had been observed off Ballyheigue at different periods of the autumn season. The question of the construction of a pier or boatslip has on more than one occasion engaged the attention of the Congested Districts Board, who, however, have not seen their way to take any further action in the matter.
§ MR. FLAVINIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is a most suitable place for the pier? Will he not recommend the Board to undertake this small outlay?
§ MR. PLUNKETTI am afraid not. The matter has been fully considered, and the Board came to its decision after a full examination of the proposal.