§ SIR THOMAS ESMONDE (Wexford, N.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he will state how many years it is since the Wexford County Council voted £1,000 towards the improvement of the pier at Poulduff; if he will state when the Department for Agriculture consented to contribute towards the work; if he will state whether the contractor has get signed his agreement with the Department for Agriculture for the execution of the work; if he will explain the delay of several years that has taken place in putting this work in hand; and if he will state who is responsible for this delay.
§ MR. WALTER LONGThe council voted the amount in August, 1903, but did not approve of the plans until November, 1904. The plans were subsequently modified at the instance of the county surveyor, and it was not until February last that the Department were in a position to ask for tenders. A satisfactory tender was with difficulty obtained, and accepted on May 6th, and the legal formalities connected with the contract are now approaching completion.
§ SIR THOMAS ESMONDECan the right hon. Gentleman say when the tender is likely to be signed?
§ MR. WALTER LONGI am afraid I cannot.