COLONEL NOLANI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if the Board of Works is specially in charge of Galway Harbour owing to a still undischarged loan; and, in view of the fact that the entrance to the harbour is now somewhat impaired, he will say if the Board of Works or the harbour master have received any communication showing that the harbour is becoming difficult of access for vessels of 3,000 tons, even when these have been lightened in the roadstead; and whether the Board of Works will soon take steps to improve the Galway entrance, either by procuring the dredger connected with the Agricultural Department or by other means.
§ MR. VICTOR CAVENDISHThe Board of Works have appointed a Receiver to collect the revenues of Galway Harbour, and all financial arrangements are subject to their approval as mortgagees. The 981 upkeep of the harbour is in the hands of its Commissioners. It is known that the entrance of the harbour needs dredging, but the Board of Works have not received a communication stating that access was difficult for vessels of 3,000 tons. As regards the last portion of the hon. and gallant Member's Question, I would refer him to my reply to the hon. Member for Galway City.