§ MR. WALTER LONGI beg to ask; the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether work has yet commenced in the construction of sea defences at Wicklow, if not, what are the reasons for delay, and will he be good enough to undertake that every effort, will be made to commence the work before further serious damage is caused by the depredations of the sea; and if he will also state what is the present condition of the negotiations with respect to the proposed harbour works at Wicklow.
MR. BRYCEI understand that work-has not yet begun on these sea defences. The commencement and prosecution of the works rest entirely with the Wicklow Harbour Board, at whoso disposal a sum of £10,000 was placed by the Government for the purpose at the beginning of this year. The Government are disappointed that the works have not yet been commenced, and so far as the Government are concerned, there is no need for further negotiations. They have done all they can to enable the work to be begun forthwith. The Government conditions are well known to the Harbour Board and the other persons locally interested. The plans and estimates of the works have been submitted to the Government by the Harbour Board within the last few days, and are now with the consulting engineer for examination.